1 This is the revelation of Jesus Christ that God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, 2 who testified about the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ, all the things that he saw. 3 Blessed is the one who reads aloud this prophecy and those who listen to the words of this prophecy and who obey what is written in it, because the time is near.
4 John, to the seven churches in Asia: May grace be to you and peace from the one who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, 5 and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To the one who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood— 6 he has made us a kingdom, priests for his God and Father—to him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.
7 Look, he is coming with the clouds;
every eye will see him,
including those who pierced him.
All the tribes of the earth will mourn because of him.
Yes, Amen.
8 "I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "the one who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty." [1]
9 I, John—your brother and the one who shares with you in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are in Jesus—was on the island called Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony about Jesus. 10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day. I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet. 11 It said, "Write what you see in a book, and send it to the seven churches—to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamum, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea." 12 I turned around to see whose voice was speaking to me, and as I turned I saw seven golden lampstands. 13 In the middle of the lampstands there was one like a son of man, wearing a long robe that reached down to his feet and a golden sash around his chest. 14 His head and hair were as white as wool—as white as snow—and his eyes were like a flame of fire. 15 His feet were like polished bronze, like bronze that had been refined in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of many rushing waters. 16 He had seven stars in his right hand, and a sword with two sharp edges was coming out of his mouth. His face was shining like the sun at its strongest. 17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet like a dead man. He placed his right hand on me and said, "Do not be afraid. I am the first and the last 18 and the one who lives. I was dead, but look, I live forever and ever! And I have the keys of death and of Hades. 19 Therefore write down what you have seen, what is now, and what will take place after this. 20 As for the hidden meaning about the seven stars you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches."
This chapter explains how the Book of Revelation records the vision John received on the island of Patmos.
Some translations set quotations from the Old Testament farther to the right on the page to make them easier to read. The ULB does this with the quoted words in verse 7.
John wrote this book to seven actual churches in Asia Minor, which is now the country of Turkey.
The Bible often speaks of something that belongs to a person as being "white." This is metaphor and metonym for that person living rightly and pleasing God. (See: and and righteous)
God exists now. He has always existed. He will always exist. Your language may have a different way of saying this.
Blood is a metonym for death. Jesus "has released us from our sins by his blood." John means that Jesus saved us from our sins by dying for us.
Jesus went into the clouds when he went up to heaven after God raised him from the dead. When Jesus returns, he will also be "with the clouds." It is not clear whether he will be sitting or riding on clouds or coming in the clouds or "with the clouds" in some other way. Your translation should express this in a way that is natural in your language.
This refers to Jesus. You should translate the words "son of man" using the same words as you did in the Gospels for when Jesus called himself the "Son of Man."
The word "angels" here can also mean "messengers." This might refer to heavenly beings, or to the messengers or leaders of these seven churches. John uses the same word "angel" (singular) in verse 1 and in many other places throughout the book. Your translation should also use the same word.
This is an introduction to the book of Revelation. It explains that it is a revelation from Jesus Christ and it gives a blessing to those who read it.
This refers to people who believe in Christ.
"the events that must happen soon"
"communicated it"
John wrote this book and was referring to himself here. Alternate translation: "to me, John, his servant"
The word "who" refers to John. This tells what John did after he learned about the revelation. Alternate translation: "And John testified about ... all the things that he saw"
"the message that God spoke"
These words could refer to 1) the testimony that John has given about Jesus Christ. Alternate translation: "he has also given testimony about Jesus Christ" Or 2) the testimony that Jesus Christ has given about himself.
This does not refer to a specific person. It refers to anyone who reads it aloud. Alternate translation: "anyone who reads aloud"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "obey what John has written in it" or "obey what they read in it"
"the things that must happen will soon happen"
This is the beginning of John's letter. Here he names himself as the writer and greets the people he is writing to.
"May you receive grace and peace" or "May you experience grace and peace." This is a wish or blessing.
"from God, who is"
Existing in the future is spoken of as coming.
The number seven is a symbol of completeness and perfection. The "seven spirits" refers either to the Spirit of God or to seven spirits who serve God.
This continues the blessing from Revelation 1:4. Alternate translation:"and may grace be to you and peace also from Jesus Christ" or "and may Jesus Christ treat you kindly and enable you to live peacefully and securely"
"the first person to be raised from death, never to die again"
The expression "the dead" describes all dead people together in the underworld. To come back from among them speaks of becoming alive again. Alternate translation: "from among all those who have died"
"has released us from our sins"
"has set us apart and begun to rule over us and he has made us priests"
This is one person. Alternate translation: "God, his Father"
This is an important title for God that describes the relationship between God and Jesus.
This is a wish or prayer. Possible meanings are 1) "May people honor his glory and power" or 2) "May he have glory and power." John prays that Jesus Christ will be honored and will be able to rule completely over everyone and everything.
This probably refers to his authority as king.
Here John quotes from Daniel and Zechariah.
Since people see with the eyes, the word "eye" is used to refer to people. Alternate translation: "every person" or "everyone"
"even those who pierced him will see him"
Jesus's hands and feet were pierced when he was nailed to the cross. Here it refers to people killing him. Alternate translation: "killed him"
made a hole in
This can be restated so that the quotation is not split. Alternate translation: "The Lord God says, 'I am the Alpha and the Omega, the one who is ... the Almighty.'" or "'I am the Alpha and the Omega, the one who is ... the Almighty,' says the Lord God."
These are first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. Possible meanings are 1) "the one who began all things and who ends all things" or 2) "the one who has always lived and who always will live." If the meanings are unclear to readers, you may consider using the first and last letters of your alphabet. Alternate translation: "the A and the Z" or "the first and the last"
Existing in the future is spoken of as coming.
John explains how his vision began and the instructions the Spirit gave him.
These refer to the believers in the seven churches.
This can be stated as a separate sentence. Alternate translation: "I, John, am your brother who who shares with you in God's kingdom and also suffers and patiently endures trials along with you because we belong to Jesus. I was"
"because I told others the word of God"
"the message that God spoke." Translate as in Revelation 1:2.
"the testimony that God has given about Jesus." Translate as in Revelation 1:2.
John speaks of being influenced by God's Spirit as if he were in the Spirit. Alternate translation: "I was influenced by the Spirit" or "The Spirit influenced me"
the day of worship for believers in Christ
The voice was so loud it sounded like a trumpet.
This refers to an instrument for producing music or for calling people to gather together for an announcement or meeting.
These are names of cities in the region of western Asia that today is modern Turkey.
John begins to explain what he saw in his vision.
This refers to the person speaking. Alternate translation: "who"
This expression describes a human figure, someone who looks human.
a piece of cloth worn around the chest. It may have had golden threads in it.
Wool and snow are examples of things that are very white. The repetition of "as white as" emphasizes that they were very white.
This is the hair of a sheep or goat. It was known to be very white.
His eyes are described as being full of light like fire flames. Alternate translation: "his eyes were glowing like a flames of fire"
Bronze is polished to make it shine and reflect light. Alternate translation: "His feet were very shiny like polished bronze"
The bronze would be refined first and then polished. Alternate translation: "like bronze that has been purified in a hot furnace and polished"
a strong container for holding a very hot fire. People would put metal in it, and the hot fire would burn away any impurities that were in the metal.
This is very loud, like the sound of a large, fast flowing river, of a large waterfall, or of loud waves in the sea.
The sword blade was sticking out of his mouth. The sword itself was not in motion.
This refers to a double-edged sword, which is sharpened on both sides to cut both directions.
John lay down facing the ground. He was probably very frightened and was showing Jesus great respect.
"He touched me with his right hand"
This refers to the eternal nature of Jesus.
Having the power over something is spoken of as having the keys to it. The implied information is that he can give life to those who have died and let them out of Hades. Alternate translation: "I have the power over death and over Hades" or "I have the power to give life to people who have died and to let them out of Hades"
The Son of Man continues to speak.
These stars are symbols that represent the seven angels of the seven churches.
The lampstands are symbols that represent the seven churches. See how you translated this in Revelation 1:12.
Possible meanings are that these "angels" are 1) heavenly angels who protect the seven churches or 2) human messengers to the seven churches, either messengers who went from John to the churches or the leaders of those churches.
This refers to seven churches that actually existed in Asia Minor at that time. See how you translated this in Revelation 1:11.
1 "To the angel of the church in Ephesus write:
'The words of the one who holds the seven stars in his right hand and who walks among the seven golden lampstands, 2 "I know your deeds, your hard labor, and your patient endurance, and that you cannot tolerate those who are evil, but you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and you have found them to be false. 3 You are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name, and you have not grown weary. 4 But I have against you the fact that you have left behind your first love. 5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen. Repent and do the things you did at first. Unless you repent, I will come to you and I will remove your lampstand from its place. 6 But you have this: You hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 7 Let the one who has an ear, hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches. To the one who conquers I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God."'
8 "To the angel of the church in Smyrna write:
'The words of the one who is the first and the last, the one who was dead and who became alive again: 9 "I know your sufferings and your poverty, but you are rich. I know the slander of those who say they are Jews, but they are not. They are a synagogue of Satan. 10 Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Look! The devil is about to throw some of you into prison so that you will be tested, and you will suffer for ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. 11 Let the one who has an ear, hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches. The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death."'
12 "To the angel of the church in Pergamum write:
'The words of the one who has the sword with two sharp edges: 13 "I know where you live, there where Satan's throne is. Yet you hold on tightly to my name. I know that you did not deny your faith in me, even in the days of Antipas my witness, my faithful one, who was killed among you, there where Satan lives. 14 But I have a few things against you: You have there some who hold tightly to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to throw a stumbling block before the sons of Israel so they would eat food sacrificed to idols and be sexually immoral. 15 In the same way, you even have some who hold tightly to the teaching of the Nicolaitans. 16 Repent, therefore! If you do not, I will quickly come to you, and I will wage war against them with the sword in my mouth. 17 Let the one who has an ear, hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches. To the one who conquers, I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give a white stone with a new name written on the stone, a name which no one knows but the one who receives it."'
18 "To the angel of the church in Thyatira write:
'These are the words of the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire and feet like polished bronze: 19 "I know your deeds: your love and faith and service and your patient endurance. I know that what you have done recently is more than you did at first. 20 But I have this against you: You tolerate the woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. By her teaching she deceives my servants to commit sexual immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols. 21 I gave her time to repent, but she is not willing to repent of her immorality. 22 Look! I will throw her onto a sickbed and those who commit adultery with her into great suffering, unless they repent of her deeds. 23 I will strike her children dead, and all the churches will know that I am the one who searches out thoughts and hearts. I will give to each one of you according to your deeds. 24 But to the rest of you in Thyatira, to everyone who does not hold this teaching and does not know what some call the deep things of Satan—to you I say, 'I do not put any other burden on you.' 25 In any case, you must hold on tightly until I come.
26 The one who conquers and does my works until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations.
27 'He will rule them with an iron rod,
like clay jars he will break them into pieces.'
28 Just as I have received from my Father, I will also give him the morning star. 29 Let the one who has an ear, hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches."'
Chapters 2 and 3 together are usually called the "seven letters to the seven churches." You may wish to set each letter apart. The reader can then easily see that they are separate letters.
Some translations set quotations from the Old Testament farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text. The ULB does this with the quoted words of verse 27.
The Christians in Smyrna were poor because they did not have much money. But they were rich spiritually because God would reward them for their suffering. (See: spirit)
Some authorities were about to take some of the Christians in Smyrna and throw them into prison and even kill some of them
Balaam, Balak, and Jezebel were people who lived long before Jesus was born. They all tried to harm the Israelites either by cursing them or by making them want to stop obeying God.
The writer knew that almost all of his readers had physical ears. The ear here is a metonym for hearing what God says and desiring to obey him.
The word "angel" here can also mean "messenger." This might refer to the messenger or leader of the church. See how you translated "angel" in Revelation 1:20.
The verses with these words can be difficult to translate. They do not make complete sentences. You may need to add "These are" to the beginning of these verses. Also, Jesus used these words to speak of himself as if he were speaking of another person. Your language may not allow people to speak of themselves as if they were speaking of other people. Jesus began speaking in Revelation 1:17. He continues to speak through the end of Chapter 3.
This is the beginning of the Son of Man's message to the angel of the church in Ephesus.
Possible meanings are that this "angel" is 1) a heavenly angel who protects this church or 2) a human messenger to the church, either a messenger who went from John to the church or the leader of the church. See how you translated "angel" in Revelation 1:20.
These stars are symbols. They represent the seven angels of the seven churches. See how you translated this in [Revelation 1:16]
The lampstands are symbols that represent the seven churches. See how you translated this in [Revelation 1:12]
"Labor" and "endurance" are abstract nouns and can be translated with verbs "work" and "endure." Alternate translation: "I know ... that you work very hard and that you endure patiently"
"but are not apostles"
"you have recognized that those people are false apostles"
"Name" here is a metonym for the person of Jesus Christ. Alternate translation: "because of me" or "because you believe in my name" or "because you believe in me"
Being discouraged is spoken of as being tired. Alternate translation: "you have not become discouraged" or "you have not quit"
"I disapprove of you because" or "I am angry with you because"
To stop doing something is spoken of as leaving it behind. Love is spoken of as if it is an object that can be left behind. Alternate translation: "you have stopped loving me as you did at the beginning"
No longer loving as much as they used to is spoken of as haven fallen. Alternate translation: "how much you have changed" or "how much you used to love me"
"If you do not repent"
The lampstands are symbols that represent the seven churches. See how you translated "lampstand" in [Revelation 1:12]
people who followed the teachings of a man named Nicolaus
Jesus is emphasizing that what he has just said is important and may take some effort to understand and put into practice. The phrase "has an ear" here is a metonym for the willingness to understand and obey. Alternate translation: "Let the one who is willing to listen, listen to" or "The one who is willing to understand, let him understand and obey"
Since Jesus is speaking directly to his audience, you may prefer to use the second person here. Alternate translation: "If you are willing to listen, listen to" or "If you are willing to understand, then understand and obey"
This refers to anyone who conquers. Alternate translation: "anyone who resists evil" or "those who do not agree to do evil"
"God's garden." This is a symbol for heaven.
This is the beginning of the Son of Man's message to the angel of the church in Smyrna.
Possible meanings are that this "angel" is 1) a heavenly angel who protects this church or 2) a human messenger to the church, either a messenger who went from John to the church or the leader of the church. See how you translated "angel" in Revelation 1:20.
This is the name of a city in a part of western Asia that today is modern Turkey. See how you translated this in [Revelation 1:11]
This refers to the eternal nature of Jesus. See how you translated this in [Revelation 1:17]
"Sufferings" and "poverty" can be translated as verbs. Alternate translation: "I know how you have suffered and how poor you are"
"Slander" can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: "I know how people have slandered you—those who say they are Jews" or "I know how people have said terrible things about you—those who say they are Jews"
"but they are not real Jews"
People who gather to obey or honor Satan are spoken of as if they were a synagogue, a place of worship and teaching for the Jews.
The words "The devil" here are a metonym for the people who obey the devil. Alternate translation: "The devil will soon cause others to put some of you in prison"
"Be faithful to me even if they kill you." The use of the word "until" does not mean that you should stop being faithful at death.
"the winner's crown." This was a wreath, originally of olive branches or laurel leaves, that was put on the head of a victorious athlete.
Possible meanings are 1) "a crown that shows that I have given you eternal life" or 2) "true life as a prize like a winner's crown"
Jesus is emphasizing that what he has just said is important and may take some effort to understand and put into practice. The phrase "has an ear" here is a metonym for the willingness to understand and obey. See how you translated this phrase in [Revelation 2:7]
Since Jesus is speaking directly to his audience, you may prefer to use the second person here. See how you translated this phrase in [Revelation 2:7]
This refers to anyone who conquers. See how you translated this in [Revelation 2:7]
"will not experience the second death" or "will not die a second time"
This is the beginning of the Son of Man's message to the angel of the church in Pergamum.
Possible meanings are that this "angel" is 1) a heavenly angel who protects this church or 2) a human messenger to the church, either a messenger who went from John to the church or the leader of the church. See how you translated "angel" in Revelation 1:20.
This is the name of a city in a part of western Asia that today is modern Turkey. See how you translated this in [Revelation 1:11]
This refers to a double-edged sword, which is sharpened on both sides to cut both directions. See how you translated this in Revelation 1:16
Possible meanings are 1) Satan's power and evil influence on people, or 2) the place where Satan rules.
"Name" here is a metonym for the person. Firmly believing is spoken of as holding on tightly. Alternate translation: "you firmly believe in me"
"Faith" can be translated with the verb "believe." Alternate translation: "you continued to tell people that you believe in me"
This is the name of a man.
"I disapprove of you because of a few things you have done" or "I am angry with you because of a few things you did." See how you translated a similar phrase in Revelation 2:4.
Possible meanings are 1) "who teach what Balaam taught; he" or 2) "who do what Balaam taught; he."
This is the name of a king.
Something that leads people to sin is spoken of as a stone in the road that people stumble on. Alternate translation: "who showed Balak how to cause the people of Israel to sin"
"sin sexually" or "commit sexual sin"
This was the name for a group of people who followed the teachings of a man named Nicolaus. See how you translated this in [Revelation 2:6]
"So repent"
The verb can be supplied from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: "If you do not repent, I"
"fight against them"
This refers to the sword in [Revelation 1:16]
Jesus is emphasizing that what he has just said is important and may take some effort to understand and put into practice. The phrase "has an ear" here is a metonym for the willingness to understand and obey. See how you translated this phrase in [Revelation 2:7]
Since Jesus is speaking directly to his audience, you may prefer to use the second person here. See how you translated this phrase in [Revelation 2:7]
This refers to anyone who conquers. See how you translated this in [Revelation 2:7]
This is the beginning of the Son of Man's message to the angel of the church in Thyatira.
Possible meanings are that this "angel" is 1) a heavenly angel who protects this church or 2) a human messenger to the church, either a messenger who went from John to the church or the leader of the church. See how you translated "angel" in Revelation 1:20.
This is the name of a city in a part of western Asia that today is modern Turkey. See how you translated this in [Revelation 1:11]
This is an important title for Jesus.
His eyes are describes as being full of light like a flame of fire. See how you translated this in [Revelation 1:14]
Bronze is polished to make it shine and reflect light. See how you translated this in [Revelation 1:15]
The abstract nouns "love," "faith," "service," and "endurance" can be translated with verbs. Alternate translation: "How you have loved, trusted, served, and endured patiently"
The implied objects of these verbs can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "How you have loved me and others, trusted me, served me and others, and endured troubles patiently"
"But I disapprove of some of the things you are doing" or "But I am angry with you because of something you are doing." See how you translated a similar phrase in Revelation 2:4.
Jesus spoke of a certain woman in their church as if she were Queen Jezebel because she did the same kinds of sinful things that Queen Jezebel had done long before that time. Alternate translation: "the woman who is just like Jezebel and"
"I gave her opportunity to repent" or "I waited for her to repent"
Her having to lie in bed would be the result of Jesus making her very sick. Alternate translation: "I will make her lie sick in bed ... I will make suffer greatly" or "I will make her very sick ... I will make suffer greatly"
Jesus speaks of causing people to suffer as throwing them into suffering. Alternate translation: "I will make those who commit adultery with her to suffer greatly"
"practice adultery"
This implies that they have participated with her in her wicked behavior. By repenting of her deeds, they also repent of participating in her behavior. Alternate translation: "if they do not repent from doing the evil that she does" or "if they do not repent of participating in her deeds"
"I will kill her children"
Jesus spoke of her followers as if they were her children. Alternate translation: 'her followers" or "the people who do what she teaches"
The term "heart" a metonym that represents feelings and desires. Alternate translation: "what people think and want"
This is an expression about punishment and reward. Alternate translation: "I will punish or reward each one of you"
Believing a teaching is spoken of as holding the teaching. Alternate translation: "everyone who does not believe this teaching"
The noun "teaching" can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: "does not hold to what she teaches" or "does not believe what she teaches"
Secret things are spoken of as if they were deep. Alternate translation: "secret things"
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This refers to anyone who conquers. See how you translated this in [Revelation 2:7]
"does what I command him to do"
This is a prophecy from the Old Testament about a king of Israel, but Jesus applies it here to those to whom he gives authority over the nations.
Ruling harshly is spoken of as ruling with an iron rod. Alternate translation: "He will rule them harshly as if striking them with an iron stick"
Breaking them to pieces is an image that represents either 1) destroying evildoers or 2) defeating enemies. Alternate translation: "He will defeat his enemies completely as if breaking clay jars into pieces"
Some languages may need to tell what was received. Possible meanings are 1) "Just as I have received authority from my Father" or 2) "Just as I have received the morning star from my Father."
This is an important title for God that describes the relationship between God and Jesus.
Here "him" refers to the one who conquers.
This is a bright star that sometimes appears early in the morning just before dawn. It was a symbol of victory.
Jesus is emphasizing that what he has just said is important and may take some effort to understand and put into practice. The phrase "has an ear" here is a metonym for the willingness to understand and obey. See how you translated this phrase in [Revelation 2:7]
Since Jesus is speaking directly to his audience, you may prefer to use the second person here. See how you translated this phrase in [Revelation 2:7]
1 "To the angel of the church in Sardis write:
'The words of the one who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. "I know your deeds. You have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. 2 Wake up and strengthen what remains but is about to die, because I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God. 3 Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard. Obey it, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come against you. 4 But you have a few names in Sardis who have not stained their clothes, and they will walk with me, dressed in white, for they are worthy. 5 The one who conquers will be clothed in white garments, and I will never wipe his name out of the Book of Life, and I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. 6 Let the one who has an ear, hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches."'
7 "To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write:
'The words of the one who is holy and true—
he holds the key of David,
he opens and no one shuts,
he shuts and no one can open.
8 "'I know your deeds. Look, I have put before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have obeyed my word and have not denied my name. 9 Look! I will cause those who belong to the synagogue of Satan, those calling themselves Jews but are not, but rather liars—I will make them come and bow down before your feet, and they will know that I love you. 10 Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of testing that is coming on the whole world, to test those who live on the earth. 11 I am coming soon. Hold to what you have so no one can take away your crown. 12 The one who conquers I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will he go out of it, and I will write on him the name of my God, the name of the city of my God (the new Jerusalem, that comes down out of heaven from my God), and my new name. 13 Let the one who has an ear, hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches."'
14 "To the angel of the church in Laodicea write:
'The words of the Amen, the reliable and true witness, the ruler over God's creation. 15 "I know your deeds and that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were either cold or hot! 16 So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to vomit you out of my mouth. 17 For you say, 'I am rich, I have had many material possessions, and I need nothing.' But you do not know that you are most miserable, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. 18 Listen to my advice: Buy from me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, and brilliant white garments so you may clothe yourself and not show the shame of your nakedness, and salve to anoint your eyes so you will see. 19 I rebuke and discipline everyone whom I love. Therefore, be earnest and repent. 20 Look, I am standing at the door and am knocking. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come into his home and will eat with him, and he with me. 21 The one who conquers I will give him the right to sit down with me on my throne, just as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. 22 Let the one who has an ear, hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches."'"
Chapters 2 and 3 together are usually called the "seven letters to the seven churches." You may wish to set each letter apart. The reader can then easily see that they are separate letters.
Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with verse 7.
These spirits are the seven spirits of Revelation 1:4.
These stars are the seven stars of Revelation 1:20.
Jesus speaks of his desire to have the Christians in Laodicea obey him as if he were a man asking people in a house to allow him to enter and eat with them
The speaker knew that almost all of his readers had physical ears. The ear here is a metonym for hearing what God says and desiring to obey him.
The word "angel" here can also mean "messenger." This might refer to the messenger or leader of the church. See how you translated "angel" in Revelation 1:20.
The verses with these words can be difficult to translate. They do not make complete sentences. You may need to add "These are" to the beginning of these verses. Also, Jesus used these words to speak of himself as if he were speaking of another person. Your language may not allow people to speak of themselves as if they were speaking of other people. Jesus began speaking in Revelation 1:17. He continues to speak through the end of Chapter 3.
This is the beginning of the Son of Man's message to the angel of the church in Sardis.
Possible meanings are that this "angel" is 1) a heavenly angel who protects this church or 2) a human messenger to the church, either a messenger who went from John to the church or the leader of the church. See how you translated "angel" in Revelation 1:20.
This is the name of a city in the western part of Asia that today is modern Turkey. See how you translated this in [Revelation 1:11]
The number seven is a symbol of completeness and perfection. The "seven spirits" refers either to the Spirit of God or to seven spirits who serve God. See how you translated this in [Revelation 1:4]
These stars are symbols that represent the seven angels of the seven churches. See how you translated this in [Revelation 1:16]
The word "name" here is a metonym for a reputation. Alternate translation: "You have a reputation for being alive" or "People think that you are alive"
Obeying and honoring God is spoken of as being alive; disobeying and dishonoring him is spoken of as being dead.
The good deeds done by the believers in Sardis are spoken of as if they were alive but in danger of dying. Alternate translation: "Wake up and complete the work that remains; otherwise what you have done will become worthless" or "Wake up. If you do not finish what you have started to do, your previous work will have been useless"
Being alert to danger is spoken of as waking up. Alternate translation: "Be alert" or "Be careful"
This refers to God's word, which they believed. Alternate translation: "God's word that you heard and the truth that you believed"
Being alert to danger is spoken of as waking up. See how you translated "wake up" on [Revelation 3:2]
Jesus will come at a time when people do not expect him, just as a thief comes when not expected.
The word "names" is a metonym for the people themselves. Alternate translation: "a few people"
Jesus speaks of sin in a person's life as if it were a stain on clothes. Alternate translation: "have not made their lives sinful"
People commonly spoke of living as "walking." Alternate translation: "will live with me"
White clothes represent a pure life without sin. Alternate translation: "and they will be dressed in white, which shows that they are pure"
This refers to anyone who conquers. See how you translated this in [Revelation 2:7]
This can be translated with an active verb. Alternate translation: "will wear white garments" or "I will give white clothes"
He would announce that the person belongs to him, not simply say the person's name. Alternate translation: "I will announce that he belongs to me"
"in the presence of my Father"
This is an important title for God that describes the relationship between God and Jesus.
Jesus is emphasizing that what he has just said is important and may take some effort to understand and put into practice. The phrase "has an ear" here is a metonym for the willingness to understand and obey. See how you translated this phrase in [Revelation 2:7]
Since Jesus is speaking directly to his audience, you may prefer to use the second person here. See how you translated this phrase in [Revelation 2:7]
This is the beginning of the Son of Man's message to the angel of the church in Philadelphia.
Possible meanings are that this "angel" is 1) a heavenly angel who protects this church or 2) a human messenger to the church, either a messenger who went from John to the church or the leader of the church. See how you translated "angel" in Revelation 1:20.
This is the name of a city in the western part of Asia that today is modern Turkey. See how you translated this in [Revelation 1:11]
Jesus speaks of his authority to decide who may go into his kingdom as if it were King David's key.
"he opens the door to the kingdom and no one can close it"
"he closes the door and no one can open it"
"I have opened a door for you"
Possible meanings are 1) "you have followed by teachings" or 2) "you have obeyed my commands"
The word "name" here is is a metonym for the person who has that name. Alternate translation: "me"
The writer begins his sentence with "I will cause," but he does not finish the sentence by telling what he will cause "those who belong to the synagogue of Satan" to do. He begins the sentence again with "I will make them," where "them" refers to "those who belong to the synagogue of Satan."
People who gather to obey or honor Satan are spoken of as if they were in a synagogue, a place of worship and teaching for the Jews. See how you translated this in [Revelation 2:9]
"those calling themselves Jews when they are not Jews: instead, they are liars." These words further describe "those who belong to the synagogue of Satan."
This is a sign of submission, not worship. Alternate translation: "bow down in submission"
Here the word "feet" represent the person before whom these people bow down. Alternate translation: "before you" or "to you"
"they will learn" or "they will admit"
"will also prevent the hour of testing from happening to you" or "will protect you so you do not enter the hour of testing"
"time of testing." This probably means "the time when people try to make you disobey me."
Existing in the future is spoken of as coming.
It is understood that he is coming in order to judge. Alternate translation: "I am coming to judge soon"
Continuing to believe firmly in Christ is spoken of as if it were holding something tightly. Alternate translation: "Continue to believe firmly"
A crown was a wreath, originally of olive branches or laurel leaves, that was put on the head of a victorious athlete. Here "crown" stands for a reward. See how you translated "crown" in Revelation 2:10.
Here "The one who conquers" refers to anyone who conquers. See how you translated this in [Revelation 2:7]
Jesus is emphasizing that what he has just said is important and may take some effort to understand and put into practice. The phrase "has an ear" here is a metonym for the willingness to understand and obey. See how you translated this phrase in [Revelation 2:7]
Since Jesus is speaking directly to his audience, you may prefer to use the second person here. See how you translated this phrase in [Revelation 2:7]
This is the beginning of the Son of Man's message to the angel of the church in Laodicea.
Possible meanings are that this "angel" is 1) a heavenly angel who protects this church or 2) a human messenger to the church, either a messenger who went from John to the church or the leader of the church. See how you translated "angel" in Revelation 1:20.
This is the name of a city in the western part of Asia that today is modern Turkey. See how you translated this in [Revelation 1:11]
Here "the Amen" is a name for Jesus Christ. He guarantees God's promises by saying amen to them.
Possible meanings are 1) "the one who rules over everything that God created" or 2) "the one through whom God created everything."
The writer speaks of the Laodiceans as if they were water. Possible meanings are 1) "cold" and hot" represent two extremes of spiritual interest or love for God, where "cold" is to be completely against God, and to be "hot" is to be zealous to serve him, or 2) "cold" and "hot" both refer to water that is useful for drinking or for cooking or healing, respectively. Alternate translation: "you are like water that is neither cold nor hot"
Rejecting them is spoken of as vomiting them out of the mouth. Alternate translation: "I will reject you as I would spit out lukewarm water"
Jesus speaks of their spiritual condition as if he were speaking about their physical condition. Alternate translation: "You are like people who are most miserable, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked"
Here to "buy" represents receiving things from Jesus that have true spiritual value. The "gold refined by fire" represents spiritual wealth. The "brilliant white garments" represents rightousness. And the "salve to anoint your eyes" represents the ability to understand spiritual things. Alternate translation: "Come to me and receive spiritual wealth, which is more valuable than gold that is refined by fire. Receive from me righteousness, which is like brilliant white garments, so that you will not be ashamed. And receive from me wisdom, which is like salve for the eyes, so that you may understand spiritual things"
"be serious and repent"
Jesus speaks about wanting people to relate to him as if he wanted them to invite him into their home. Alternate translation: "I am like one standing at the door and knocking"
When people want someone to welcome them into their home, they knock on the door. Alternate translation: "I want you to let me come inside"
The phrase "my voice" refers to Christ speaking. Alternate translation: "hears me speak" or "hears me call"
Some languages might prefer the verb "go" here. Alternate translation: "I will go in to his home"
This represents being together as friends.
This refers to anyone who conquers. See how you translated this in [Revelation 2:7]
To sit on a throne means to rule. Alternate translation: "to rule with me" or "to sit down on my throne and rule with me"
This is an important title for God that describes the relationship between God and Jesus.
This is the end of the Son of Man's messages to the angels of the seven churches.
Jesus is emphasizing that what he has just said is important and may take some effort to understand and put into practice. The phrase "has an ear" here is a metonym for the willingness to understand and obey. See how you translated this phrase in [Revelation 2:7]
Since Jesus is speaking directly to his audience, you may prefer to use the second person here. See how you translated this phrase in [Revelation 2:7]
1 After these things I looked, and I saw an open door in heaven. The first voice that I had heard was speaking to me like a trumpet, saying, "Come up here, and I will show you what must happen after these things." 2 At once I was in the Spirit, and I saw there a throne placed in heaven, with someone sitting on it. 3 The one who was sitting on it looked like jasper and carnelian. There was a rainbow around the throne. The rainbow was like an emerald in appearance. 4 Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and seated on the thrones were twenty-four elders, dressed with white garments, with golden crowns on their heads. 5 From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings, and crashes of thunder. Seven flaming lamps were burning in front of the throne, lamps that were the seven spirits of God. 6 Before the throne was a sea of glass, like crystal. In the middle of the throne and around the throne were four living creatures, full of eyes, front and back. 7 The first living creature was like a lion, the second living creature was like a calf, the third living creature had a face like a man, and the fourth living creature was like a flying eagle. 8 The four living creatures each had six wings, full of eyes on top and underneath. Night and day they do not stop saying,
"Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty,
who was, and who is, and who is to come."
9 Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor, and thanks to the one who sits on the throne, the one who lives forever and ever, 10 the twenty-four elders fall down before the one seated on the throne and worship him who lives forever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne, saying,
11 "Worthy are you, our Lord and our God,
to receive glory and honor and power,
for you created all things,
and by your will they existed and were created."
Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with verses 8 and 11.
John has finished describing the letters to the churches. He now begins to describe a vision that God showed him.
These words refer to kinds of special stones that the people in John's day considered valuable. It may be difficult for you to translate these words if people in your culture do not value special kinds of stones.
Elders are church leaders. Twenty-four elders may be symbolic of the whole church through the ages. There were twelve tribes in Old Testament Israel and twelve apostles in the New Testament church.
These spirits are the seven spirits of Revelation 1:4.
God's glory is the great beauty and radiant majesty that God has because he is God. Other Bible writers describe it as if it were a light so bright that no one can look at it. No one can give God this kind of glory, because it is already his. For people "to give glory" to God and for God "to receive glory" means that people are praising and worshiping God because of the glory he already has. (See: glory and worthy and worship)
Such things as bolts of lightning coming from the throne, lamps that are spirits, and a sea in front of the throne may be difficult to imagine, and so the words for them may be difficult to translate.
John begins to describe his vision of the throne of God.
"Just after I had seen these things." Here "these things" refers to what John saw in (Revelation 2:1-3:22)
This expression stands for the ability that God gave John to see into heaven, at least by means of a vision.
How the voice was like a trumpet can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "speaking to me loudly like the sound of a trumpet"
This refers to an instrument for producing music or for calling people to gather together for an announcement or meeting. See how you translated this in Revelation 1:10.
John speaks of being influenced by God's Spirit as if he were in the Spirit. See how you translated this in [Revelation 1:10]
These are valuable stones. Jasper may have been clear like glass or crystal, and carnelian may have been red.
a green, valuable stone
"24 elders"
These were likenesses of wreaths of olive branches or laurel leaves, hammered out in gold. Such crowns, made of leaves, were given to victorious athletes to wear on their heads.
Use your language's way of describing what lightning looks like each time it appears.
These are the loud noises that thunder makes. Use your language's way of describing the sound of thunder.
The number seven is a symbol of completeness and perfection. The "seven spirits" refers either to the Spirit of God or to seven spirits who serve God. See how you translated this in [Revelation 1:4]
How it was like glass or a sea can be stated clearly. Possible meanings are 1) a sea is spoken of as if it were glass. Alternate translation: "a sea that was as smooth as glass" or 2) glass if spoken of as if it were a sea. Alternate translation: "glass that was spread out like a sea"
How it was like crystal can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "clear as crystal"
"Immediately around the throne" or "Close to the throne and around it"
"four living beings" or "four living things"
How the head of each living creature appeared to John is expressed as a comparison with something more familiar.
"living being" or "living thing." See how you translated this in Revelation 4:6
The top and bottom of each wing was covered with eyes.
Existing in the future is spoken of as coming.
This is one person. The one who sits on the throne lives forever and ever.
These two words mean about the same thing and are repeated for emphasis. Alternate translation: "for all eternity"
"24 elders." See how you translated this in [Revelation 4:4]
They purposely lie down facing the ground to show that they are worshiping.
These crowns looked like wreaths of olive branches or laurel leaves, hammered out in gold. The elders were respectfully placing the crowns on the ground, showing that they were submitting to God's authority to rule. Alternate translation: "they lay their crowns before the throne to show that they are submitting to him"
Possible meanings are 1) to place or 2) to throw down forcibly, as of something worthless ("throw," Revelation 2:22). The reader should understand that the elders are acting respectfully.
"our Lord and God." This is one person, the one sitting on the throne.
These are things that God always has. Being praised for having them is spoken of as receiving them. Alternate translation: "to be praised for your glory, honor, and power" or "for everyone to praise you because you are glorious, honorable, and powerful"
1 Then I saw in the right hand of the one who was seated on the throne a scroll written on the front and on the back, sealed with seven seals. 2 I saw a mighty angel proclaiming with a loud voice, "Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?" 3 No one in heaven or on the earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to read it. 4 I wept bitterly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to read it. 5 But one of the elders said to me, "Do not weep. Look! The Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals." 6 I saw a Lamb standing in the middle of the throne area and among the four living creatures and among the elders. He looked as though he had been killed. He had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. 7 He went and took hold of the scroll out of the right hand of the one who was seated on the throne. 8 When he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each of them had a harp and a golden bowl full of incense, which are the prayers of God's holy people. 9 They sang a new song:
"You are worthy to take the scroll
and to open its seals.
For you were slaughtered,
and with your blood you purchased people for God
from every tribe, language, people, and nation.
10 You made them a kingdom and priests to serve our God,
and they will reign on the earth."
11 Then I looked and heard the sound of many angels who encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. Their total number was ten thousands of ten thousands and thousands of thousands. 12 They said in a loud voice,
"Worthy is the Lamb, who has been slaughtered,
to receive power, wealth, wisdom, strength,
honor, glory, and praise."
13 I heard every created thing that was in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and on the sea—everything in them—saying,
"To the one who sits on the throne and to the Lamb
be praise, honor, glory, and dominion
forever and ever."
14 The four living creatures said, "Amen!" and the elders fell down and worshiped. [1]
Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in verses 9-13.
Kings and important people in John's time wrote important documents on large pieces of paper or animal skin. They then rolled them up and sealed them with wax so they would stay closed. Only the person to whom the document was written had the authority to open it by breaking the seal. In this chapter, "the one who was seated on the throne" had written the scroll. Only the person called "the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David" and "the Lamb" had the authority to open it. (See: scroll and authority)
Elders are church leaders. Twenty-four elders may be symbolic of the whole church through the ages. There were twelve tribes in Old Testament Israel and twelve apostles in the New Testament church.
The prayers of Christians are described as incense. Christian prayers have a good smell to God. He is pleased when Christians pray.
These spirits are the seven spirits of Revelation 1:4.
The "Lion of the tribe of Judah" and the "Root of David" are metaphors that refer to Jesus. Jesus descended from the tribe of Judah and the family of David. Lions are fierce, and all animals and people are afraid of them, so they are a metaphor for a king whom everyone obeys. The words "Root of David" speak of Israel's King David as if he were a seed that God had planted and of Jesus as if he were a root growing from that seed.
John continues to describe what he saw in his vision of the throne of God.
"After I saw those things, I saw"
This is the same "one" as in Revelation 4:2-3.
"a scroll with writing on the front and the back"
"and it had seven seals keeping it closed"
The person would need to break the seals in order to open the scroll. Alternate translation: "Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?"
This can be translated as a command: "The one who is worthy to do this should come to break the seals and open the scroll!"
This means everywhere: the place where God and the angels live, the place where people and animals live, and the place where those who have died are. Alternate translation: "anywhere in heaven or on the earth or under the earth"
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"Listen" or "Pay attention to what I am about to tell you"
This is a title for the man from the tribe of Judah that God had promised would be the great king. Alternate translation: "The one who is called the Lion of the tribe of Judah" or "The king who is called the Lion of the tribe of Judah"
The king is spoken of as if he were a lion because a lion is very strong.
This is a title for the descendant of David that God had promised would be the great king. Alternate translation: "the one who is called the Root of David"
The descendant is spoken of as if David's family were a tree and he were a root of that tree. Alternate translation: "the Descendant of David"
The Lamb appears in the throne room.
A "lamb" is a young sheep. Here is it used symbolically to refer to Christ.
The number seven is a symbol of completeness and perfection. The "seven spirits" refers either to the Spirit of God or to seven spirits who serve God. See how you translated this in Revelation 1:4.
This can be translated with an active verb. Alternate translation: "which God sent out over all the earth"
He approached the throne. Some languages would use the verb "come." Alternate translation: "He came"
A "lamb" is a young sheep. Here is it used symbolically to refer to Christ. See how you translated this in [Revelation 5:6]
"24 elders." See how you translated this in [Revelation 4:4]
"lay down on the ground." Their faces were toward the ground to show that they were worshiping the Lamb. They did this on purpose; they did not fall accidentally.
Possible meanings are 1) "each of the elders and living creatures" or 2) "each of the elders."
The incense here is a symbol for the believers' prayers to God.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "For they slaughtered you" or "For people killed you"
If your language has a word for killing an animal for a sacrifice, consider using it here.
Since blood represents a person's life, losing the blood represents dying. This probably means "by your death" or "by dying."
"you bought people so that they could belong to God" or "you paid the price so that people could belong to God"
This means that people from every ethnic group are included.
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Use an expression in your language that shows that it is a huge number. Alternate translation: "millions" or "too many thousands to count"
"The Lamb, who has been slaughtered, is worthy"
These are all things that the Lamb has. Being praised for having them is spoken of as receiving them. This can be restated to remove the abstract nouns. See how you translated a similar sentence in [Revelation 4:11]
This means everywhere: the place where God and the angels live, the place where people and animals live, and the place where those who have died are. See how you translated this in [Revelation 5:3]
"May he who sits on the throne and the Lamb have"
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1 I looked when the Lamb opened one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures say in a voice that sounded like thunder, "Come!" 2 I looked and there was a white horse. Its rider held a bow, and he was given a crown. He came out as a conqueror in order to conquer.
3 When the Lamb opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature say, "Come!" 4 Then another horse came out—fiery red. To its rider was given permission to take peace away from the earth, so that its people would slaughter one another. This rider was given a huge sword.
5 When the Lamb opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, "Come!" I saw a black horse, and its rider held a pair of scales in his hand. 6 I heard what seemed to be a voice among the four living creatures say, "A choenix of wheat for one denarius, and three choenices of barley for a denarius. But do not harm the oil and the wine."
7 When the Lamb opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature say, "Come!" 8 Then I saw a pale horse. The rider on it was named Death, and Hades was following him. They were given authority over one-fourth of the earth, to kill with the sword, with famine and disease, and with the wild animals of the earth.
9 When the Lamb opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been killed because of the word of God and the testimony which they held. 10 They cried out with a loud voice, "How long, Ruler over all, holy and true, until you judge those who live on the earth, and until you avenge our blood?" 11 Then each of them was given a white robe, and they were told that they should wait a short time longer until the full number of their fellow servants and their brothers who were to be killed, just as they had been killed, was made complete.
12 When the Lamb opened the sixth seal, I watched and there was a great earthquake. The sun became as black as sackcloth, and the full moon became like blood. 13 The stars in the heavens fell to the earth, just as a fig tree drops its unripe figs when shaken by a stormy wind. 14 The sky vanished like a scroll that was being rolled up. Every mountain and island was moved out of its place. 15 Then the kings of the earth and the important people, and the commanders, and the rich, and the powerful, and everyone else, slave and free, hid in caves and among the rocks of the mountains. 16 They said to the mountains and to the rocks, "Fall on us! Hide us from the face of the one who is seated on the throne and from the Lamb's wrath. 17 For the great day of their wrath has come. Who is able to stand?"
The author describes what happened after the Lamb opens each of the first six seals. The Lamb does not open the seventh seal until Chapter 8.
Kings and important people in John's time wrote important documents on large pieces of paper or animal skin. They then rolled them up and sealed them with wax so they would stay closed. Only the person to whom the document was written had the authority to open it by breaking the seal. In this chapter, the Lamb opens the seals.
As the Lamb opens each of the first four seals, the author describes horsemen riding different colored horses. The colors of the horses seem to symbolize how the rider will affect the earth.
This refers to Jesus. In this chapter, it is also a title for Jesus.
In verses 12-14, the author uses several similes to try to describe the images he sees in the vision. He compares the images to everyday things.
John continues to describe the events that happened before the throne of God. The Lamb begins to open the seals on the scroll.
This is a command to one person, apparently the rider of the white horse who is spoken of in verse 2.
This can be translated with an active verb. Alternate translation: "he received a crown" or "God gave him a crown"
Crowns were wreaths of olive branches or laurel leaves and were given to victorious athletes to wear on their heads. The crown given to rider may have been hammered out in gold in the likeness of wreaths of olives branches or laurel leaves.
"the next seal" or "seal number two"
"the next living creature" or "living creature number two"
This can the stated as a second sentence. Alternate translation: "came out. It was red like fire" or "came out. It was bright red"
This can be stated with an active verb. Alternate translation: "God gave permission to its rider" or "Its rider received person"
This can be stated with an active verb. Alternate translation: "This rider received a huge sword" or "God gave this rider a huge sword"
"a very large sword" or "a great sword"
"the next seal" or "seal number three"
"the next living creature" or "living creature number three"
a tool used for weighing things
Some languages might want a verb such as "cost" or "buy" in the sentence. There was very little wheat for all the people, so its price was very high. Alternate translation: "A choenix of wheat now costs one denarius" or "Buy a choenix of wheat with one denarius"
A "choenix" was a specific measure that was about one liter. The plural of "choenix" is "choenices." Alternate translation: "One liter of wheat ... three liters of barley" or "One bowl of wheat ... three bowls of barley"
This coin was worth a day's wages. Alternate translation: "one silver coin" or "the pay for one day of work"
If the oil and wine were harmed, there would be less of them for people to buy, and their prices would go up.
These expressions probably stand for the olive oil harvest and the grape harvest.
"the next seal" or "seal number four"
"the next living creature" or "living creature number four"
"grey horse." This is the color of a dead body, so its color is a symbol of death.
Here "the earth" represents the people of the earth. Alternate translation: "one-fourth of the people on the earth"
A sword is a weapon, and here it represents war.
This means that Death and Hades would cause the wild animals to attack and kill people.
"the next seal" or "seal number five"
This may have been "at the base of the altar."
This can be translated with an active verb. Alternate translation: "those whom others had killed"
Here "word of God" is a metonym for the message from God and "held" is a metaphor. Possible meanings are 1) holding the testimony refers to believing God's word and testimony. Alternate translation: "because of the teachings of scripture and what they taught about Jesus Christ" or "because they believed the word of God, which is his testimony" or 2) holding the testimony refers to testifying about the word of God. Alternate translation: "because they testified about the word of God"
The word blood here represents their deaths. Alternate translation: "punish those who killed us"
Either God or an angel gave them a white robe. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Then each of them received a white robe"
Either God or an angel is speaking. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God told them" or "an angel told them"
Here "servants" and "brothers" refer to the same group. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "until enemies have killed all of Christ's servants whom God had determined would die, just as those under the altar had died"
Christians are often spoken of as being one another's brothers. Females were among those spoken of here. Alternate translation: "fellow Christians" or "fellow believers"
"the next seal" or "seal number six"
Sometimes sackcloth was made of black hair. People would wear sackcloth when they were mourning. The image of sackcloth is meant to lead people to think of death and mourning. Alternate translation: "as black as mourning clothes"
The image of blood is meant to lead people to think of death. How it was like blood can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "red like blood"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: ""just as figs do when a stormy wind shakes a fig tree and causes it to drop its unripe figs"
The sky was normally thought of as being as strong as a sheet of metal, but now it had become as weak as a sheet of paper and was easily torn and rolled up.
soldiers who command warriors during battle
large holes in the sides of hills
Here "face" represents "presence." Alternate translation: "the presence of the one" or "the one"
The day of their wrath refers to the time when they would punish wicked people. Alternate translation: "this is the terrible time when they will punish people"
Existing now is spoken of as having come.
"Their" refers to the one on the throne and the Lamb.
Surviving, or staying alive, is spoken of as if it were standing. This question is used to express great sadness and fear that no one will be able to survive when God punishes him. Alternate translation: "No one can survive."
1 After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, tightly holding back the four winds of the earth so that no wind should blow on the earth, on the sea, or against any tree. 2 I saw another angel coming up from the east, who had the seal of the living God. He cried out with a loud voice to the four angels who were given permission to harm the earth and the sea: 3 "Do not harm the earth, the sea, or the trees until we have put a seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God." 4 I heard the number of those who were sealed: 144,000, who were sealed from every tribe of the people of Israel:
5 twelve thousand from the tribe of Judah were sealed,
twelve thousand from the tribe of Reuben,
twelve thousand from the tribe of Gad,
6 twelve thousand from the tribe of Asher,
twelve thousand from the tribe of Naphtali,
twelve thousand from the tribe of Manasseh,
7 twelve thousand from the tribe of Simeon,
twelve thousand from the tribe of Levi,
twelve thousand from the tribe of Issachar,
8 twelve thousand from the tribe of Zebulun,
twelve thousand from the tribe of Joseph, and
twelve thousand from the tribe of Benjamin were sealed.
9 After these things I looked, and there was a huge multitude that no one could count—from every nation, tribe, people, and language—standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and holding palm branches in their hands, 10 and they were crying out with a loud voice:
"Salvation belongs to our God,
who is seated on the throne,
and to the Lamb!"
11 All the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne. They worshiped God, 12 saying,
"Amen!
Praise, glory, wisdom, thanksgiving, honor, power, and strength
be to our God forever and ever!
Amen!"
13 Then one of the elders asked me, "Who are these, clothed with white robes, and where did they come from?" 14 I said to him, "Sir, you know," and he said to me, "These are the ones who have come out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
15 For this reason,
they are before the throne of God,
and they worship him day and night in his temple.
The one who is seated on the throne
will spread his tent over them.
16 They will not be hungry again,
nor will they be thirsty again.
The sun will not beat down on them,
nor any burning heat.
17 For the Lamb at the center of the throne
will shepherd them,
and he will guide them to springs of living water,
and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."
Scholars have interpreted parts of this chapter in many different ways. Translators do not need to fully understand what this chapter means to accurately translate its contents.
It is important to accurately translate the large numbers in this chapter. The number 144,000 is twelve times twelve thousand.
Translators should be aware that the tribes of the people of Israel are not listed in this chapter the same as they are generally listed in the Old Testament.
Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in verses 5-8 and 15-17.
God saves his people and keeps them through times of trouble. His people respond by worshipping him. (See: worship)
This refers to Jesus. In this chapter, it is also a title for Jesus.
John begins to describe a vision of 144,000 servants of God who become marked with seals. Their marking takes place after the Lamb opens the sixth seal and before he opens the seventh seal.
The earth is spoken of as if it were flat and square like a sheet of paper. The phrase "the four corners" refers to the north, south, east, and west.
The word "seal" here refers to a tool that is used to press a mark onto a wax seal. In this case the tool would be used to put a mark on God's people. Alternate translation: "the marker of the living God" or "the stamp of the living God"
The word "seal" here refers to a mark. This mark shows that the people belong to God and that he will protect them. Alternate translation: "put a mark on the foreheads"
The forehead is the top of the face, above the eyes.
This can be stated with an active verb. Alternate translation: "those whom God's angel marked"
"one hundred forty-four thousand people"
"12,000 people from the tribe"
This can be translated in active form. See how you translated similar words in [Revelation 7:4]
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This continues the list of the people of Israel who were sealed.
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John begins to describe a second vision about a multitude praising God. This vision also takes place after the Lamb opens the sixth seal and before he opens the seventh seal.
"a huge crowd" or "a great number of people"
Here the color "white" represents purity.
"Salvation comes from"
They were praising God and the Lamb. The noun "salvation" can be expressed with the verb "save." Alternate translation: "Our God, who sits on the throne, and the Lamb have saved us!"
These are the four creatures mentioned in Revelation 4:6-8.
Here "fell on their faces" is an idiom that means they lay down facing the ground. See how you translated "prostrated themselves" in [Revelation 4:10]
"Our God is worthy of all praise, glory, wisdom, thanks, honor, power and strength" or "We must give praise, glory, thanks, and honor to our God"
These two words mean basically the same thing and emphasize that the praise will never end.
The white robes showed that these people were righteous.
"have survived the great tribulation" or "have lived through the great tribulation"
"the time of terrible suffering"
People who have been made righteous by the blood of the Lamb are spoken of as if they have washed their robes in his blood. Alternate translation: "They have been made righteous by washing their robes white in his blood"
The word "blood" is used to refer to the death of Lamb.
The elder continues to speak to John.
These words refer to those people who have come through the great tribulation.
These two parts of the day are used together to mean "all the time" or "without stopping"
"will put his tent up over them." Protecting them is spoken of as if it were giving them shelter to live under. Alternate translation: "will shelter them" or "will protect them"
These words refer to those people who have come through the great tribulation.
The sun's heat no longer causing people to suffer is spoken of as if the sun would not beat down on them. Alternate translation: "The sun will not burn them" or "The sun will not make them weak"
These words refer to those people who have come through the great tribulation.
"the Lamb, who is standing in the middle of the area around the throne, will be"
The elder speaks of the Lamb's care for his people as if it were a shepherd's care for his sheep. Alternate translation: "For the Lamb ... will be like a shepherd to them" or "For the Lamb ... will care for them as a person cares for his animals"
The elder speaks of what gives life as if it were springs of fresh water. Alternate translation: "he will guide them like a shepherd guiding his sheep to fresh water" or "he will guide them to life like a shepherd guiding his sheep to living water"
Tears here represent sadness. Alternate translation: "God will wipe away their sadness, like wiping away tears" or "God will cause them to not be sad anymore"
1 When the Lamb opened the seventh seal, there was a silence in heaven for about half an hour. 2 Then I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and seven trumpets were given to them.
3 Another angel came, holding a golden incense bowl, standing at the incense altar. Much incense was given to him so that he would offer it with the prayers of all God's holy people on the golden incense altar before the throne. 4 The smoke of the incense—with the prayers of God's holy people—rose up before God from the angel's hand. 5 The angel took the incense bowl and filled it with fire from the altar. Then he threw it down to the earth, and there were crashes of thunder, rumblings, flashes of lightning, and an earthquake.
6 The seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared to sound them.
7 The first angel sounded his trumpet, and there was hail and fire mixed with blood. It was thrown down onto the earth so that a third of it was burned up, a third of the trees were burned up, and all the green grass was burned up. [1]
8 The second angel sounded his trumpet, and something like a great mountain burning with fire was thrown into the sea. A third of the sea became blood, 9 a third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed.
10 The third angel sounded his trumpet, and a huge star fell from the sky, blazing like a torch, on a third of the rivers and springs of water. 11 The name of the star is Wormwood. A third of the waters became wormwood, and many people died from the waters that became bitter.
12 The fourth angel sounded his trumpet, and a third of the sun was struck, as well as a third of the moon and a third of the stars. So a third of them turned dark; a third of the day and a third of the night had no light.
13 I looked, and I heard an eagle [2] that was flying overhead calling out with a loud voice, "Woe, woe, woe, to those who live on the earth, because of the remaining trumpet blasts that are about to be sounded by the three angels."
This chapter begins to show what happens when the Lamb opens the seventh seal. God uses the prayers of all believers to cause dramatic things to happen on earth. John then describes what happens when angels sound the first four of seven trumpets.
In verses 8 and 10, John uses similes to try to describe the images he sees in the vision. He compares the images to everyday things.
The Lamb opens the seventh seal.
This is the last of the seven seals on the scroll. Alternate translation: "the next seal" or "the final seal" or "seal number seven"
They were each given one trumpet. This can be stated in active form. Possible meanings are 1) "God gave them seven trumpets" or 2) "the Lamb gave them seven trumpets"
"he would offer the incense to God by burning it"
This refers to the bowl in the angel's hand. Alternate translation: "the bowl in the angel's hand"
The word "fire" here probably refers to burning coals. Alternate translation: "filled it with burning coals" or "filled it with coals of fire"
The seven angels sound the seven trumpets, one at a time.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The angel threw the hail and fire mixed with blood down onto the earth"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "it burned up a third of the earth, a third of the trees, and all the green grass"
"A third" is a fraction.
"The next angel" or "Angel number two"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the angel threw something like a great mountain burning with fire"
"A third" is a fraction.
Possible meanings are it 1) "became red like blood" or it 2) really became blood.
"the things living in the sea" or "the fish and other animals that lived in the sea"
"a huge star that was blazing like a torch fell from the sky." The fire of the huge star looked similar to the fire of a torch.
a stick with one end lit on fire to provide light
Wormwood is a shrub that tastes bitter. People made medicine out of it, but they also believed that it was poisonous. Alternate translation: "The name of the star is Bitterness" or "The name of the star is Bitter Medicine"
The bitter taste of the water is spoken of as if it were wormwood. Alternate translation: "became bitter like wormwood" or "became bitter"
"died when they drank the bitter water"
Causing something bad to happen to the sun is spoken of as striking, or hitting, it. This can be stated with an active verb. Alternate translation: "a third of the sun changed" or "God changed a third of the sun"
Possible meanings are 1) "one third of the time they were dark" or 2) "one third of the sun, one third of the moon, and one third of the stars became dark"
"there was no light during one third of the day and one third of the night" or "they did not shine during one third of the day and one third of the night"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "because the three angels who have not yet sounded their trumpets are about to sound them"
1 Then the fifth angel sounded his trumpet. I saw a star from heaven that had fallen to the earth. The star was given the key to the shaft of the bottomless pit. 2 He opened the shaft of the bottomless pit, and smoke went up out of the shaft like smoke from a huge furnace. The sun and the air were turned dark by the smoke from the shaft. 3 Out of the smoke locusts came on the earth, and they were given power like that of scorpions on the earth. 4 They were told not to damage the grass on the earth or any green plant or tree, but only the people who did not have the seal of God on their foreheads. 5 They were not given permission to kill those people, but only to torture them for five months. Their agony would be like the sting of a scorpion when it strikes a person. 6 In those days people will seek death but will not find it. They will greatly desire to die, but death will flee from them. 7 The locusts looked like horses prepared for war. On their heads were something like crowns of gold, and their faces were like human faces. 8 They had hair like women's hair, and their teeth were like lions' teeth. 9 They had breastplates like iron breastplates, and the sound of their wings was like the sound made by many chariots and horses running into battle. 10 They had tails with stingers like scorpions; in their tails they had power to harm people for five months. 11 They had as king over them the angel of the bottomless pit. His name in Hebrew was Abaddon, and in Greek he had the name Apollyon.
12 The first woe is past. Look! After this there are still two disasters to come.
13 The sixth angel sounded his trumpet, and I heard a voice coming from the horns of the golden altar that is present before God, 14 saying to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, "Release the four angels who had been bound at the great Euphrates River." 15 The four angels who had been prepared for that hour, that day, that month, and that year were released to kill a third of mankind. 16 The number of the soldiers on horseback was 200,000,000. I heard their number. 17 This is how I saw the horses in my vision and those who rode on them: Their breastplates were fiery red, dark blue and yellow as sulfur. The heads of the horses resembled the heads of lions, and out of their mouths came fire, smoke, and sulfur. 18 A third of the people were killed by these three plagues: the fire, smoke, and sulfur that came out of their mouths. 19 For the power of the horses was in their mouths and in their tails—for their tails were like snakes, having heads with which they inflicted wounds on people. 20 The rest of mankind, those who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands, nor did they stop worshiping demons and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone, and wood—things that cannot see, hear, or walk. 21 Neither did they repent of their murders, their sorcery, their sexual immorality or their acts of theft.
In this chapter, John continues to describe what happens when angels sound seven trumpets.
John describes several "woes" in the Book of Revelation. This chapter begins to describe three "woes" announced at the end of Chapter 8.
This chapter includes several animals: locusts, scorpions, horses, lions, and snakes. These animals represent different qualities or traits. For example, a lion is powerful and dangerous. Translators should use the same animals in their translation if possible. If the animal is unknown, one with similar qualities or traits should be used.
This image is seen several times in the Book of Revelation. It is a picture of hell as being inescapable and the opposite direction as heaven. (See: hell)
"Abaddon" is a Hebrew word. "Apollyon" is a Greek word. Both words mean "Destroyer." John used the sounds of the Hebrew word and wrote them with Greek letters. The ULB and UDB write the sounds of both words with English letters. Translators are encouraged to transliterate these words using the letters of the target language. The original Greek readers would have understood "Apollyon" to mean "Destroyer." So translators may also supply what it means in the text or in a footnote.
Despite great signs, people are described as not repenting and so remain in their sin. People refusing to repent are also mentioned in Chapter 16. (See: repent and sin)
John uses many similes in this chapter. They help to describe the images that he sees in his vision.
The fifth of the seven angels begins to sound his trumpet.
John saw the star after it had fallen. He did not watch if fall.
"the key that unlocks the shaft of the bottomless pit"
Possible meanings are 1) "shaft" is another way of referring to the pit and describes it as long and narrow, or 2) "shaft" refers to the opening of the pit.
This is an extremely deep, narrow hole. Possible meanings are 1) the pit has no bottom; it continues to go down further forever or 2) the pit is so deep that it is as if it had no bottom.
A huge furnace gives off a great amount of thick, dark smoke. Alternate translation: "like the great amount of smoke that comes from a huge furnace"
"became dark"
insects that fly together in large groups. People fear them because they can eat up all the leaves in gardens and on trees.
Scorpions have the ability to sting and poison other animals and people. Alternate translation: "the ability to sting people as scorpions do"
small insects with poisonous stingers on their tails. Their sting is extremely painful and the pain lasts a long time.
Ordinary locusts were a terrible threat to people because when they swarm, they can eat up all the grass and all the leaves on plants and trees. These locusts were told not to do this.
The phrase "to damage" or "to harm" is understood. Alternate translation: "but only to harm the people"
The word "seal" refers a mark that would be left by a tool being pressed into a a wax seal. In this case it refers to mark that God would place upon the foreheads of his people. The people who do not have this mark do not belong to God. See how you translated "seal" in [Revelation 7:3]
The forehead is the top of the face, above the eyes.
"They" refers to the locusts. (Revelation 9:3)
the people whom the locusts were stinging
Here the words "given permission" are understood. Alternate translation: "but only given permission to torture them"
The locusts would be allowed to do this for five months.
"to make them suffer terrible pain"
A scorpion is a small insect with a poisonous stinger at the end of its long tail. The sting can cause severe pain or even death.
This can be restated to remove the abstract noun "death." Alternate translation: "people will try to find a way to die but will not find it" or "people will try to kill themselves but will not find a way to die"
"will want very much to die" or "will wish that they could die"
John speaks of death as if it were a person or animal that could run away. Alternate translation: "they will not be able to die" or "they will not die"
These locusts did not look like ordinary locusts. John describes them by telling how parts of them looked like other things.
These were likenesses of wreaths of olive branches or laurel leaves, hammered out in gold. Examples actually made of leaves were given to victorious athletes to wear on their heads.
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The word "They" refers to the locusts.
A scorpion is a small insect with a poisonous stinger at the end of its long tail. Its sting can cause severe pain or even death. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Revelation 9:3]
Possible meanings are 1) they had power for five months to harm people or 2) they could sting people and the people would be in pain for five months.
This is an extremely deep, narrow hole. Possible meanings are 1) the pit has no bottom; it continues to go down further forever or 2) the pit is so deep that it is as if it had no bottom. See how you translated this in Revelation 9:1.
Both names mean "Destroyer."
Existing in the future is spoken of as coming.
The sixth of the seven angels begins to sound his trumpet.
The voice refers to the one who was speaking. John does not say who the speaker was, but it may have been God. Alternate translation: "I heard someone speaking"
These are horn-shaped extensions at each of the four corners of the top of the altar.
This can be stated with an active form. Alternate translation: "the four angels whom God had commanded someone to bind" or "the four angels whom God bound"
This can be stated with an active form. Alternate translation: "The angel released the four angels who had been prepared for ... that year"
This can be stated with an active form. Alternate translation: "The four angels whom God had prepared"
These words are used to show that the time to release the angels is a specific, chosen time and not just any time. Alternate translation: "for that exact time"
Suddenly, 200,000,000 soldiers on horseback appear in John's vision. John is no longer speaking about the four angels mentioned in the previous verse.
Some ways to express this are: "two hundred million" or "two hundred thousand thousand" or "twenty thousand times ten thousand." If your language does not have a specific number for this, you could also see how you translated a similar large number in [Revelation 5:11]
"red like fire" or "bright red." See how you translated this in Revelation 6:3.
"fire, smoke, and sulfur came out of their mouths"
John continues to describe the horses and the plagues brought upon humanity.
"One third of the people." See how you translated "A third" in [Revelation 8:7]
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This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "those whom the plagues had not killed"
The word "hand" here is a metonym for the person whose hands they are. Alternate translation: "the deeds they had done"
This phrase reminds us that idols are not alive and do not deserve to be worshiped. But the people did not stop worshiping them. Alternate translation: "even though idols cannot see, hear, or walk"
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1 Then I saw another mighty angel coming down from heaven. He was clothed in a cloud, and there was a rainbow above his head. His face was like the sun and his feet were like pillars of fire. 2 He held a little scroll, which was opened in his hand. He put his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land. 3 Then he shouted in a loud voice like a roaring lion. When he shouted, the seven thunders spoke out with their sounds. 4 When the seven thunders spoke out, I was about to write, but I heard a voice from heaven saying, "Seal up what the seven thunders said. Do not write it down." 5 Then the angel I saw standing on the sea and the earth raised his right hand to heaven. 6 He swore by the one who lives forever and ever, who created heaven and all that is in it, the earth and all that is on it, and the sea and all that is in it, and the angel said, "There will be no more delay. 7 But on the day when the seventh angel is about to sound his trumpet, then the mystery of God will be accomplished, just as he proclaimed the good news to his servants the prophets." 8 The voice I heard from heaven spoke to me again: "Go, take the open scroll that is in the hand of the angel standing on the sea and on the land." 9 Then I went to the angel and told him to give me the little scroll. He said to me, "Take the scroll and eat it. It will make your stomach bitter, but in your mouth it will be as sweet as honey." 10 I took the little scroll from the angel's hand and ate it. It was as sweet as honey in my mouth, but after I ate it, my stomach became bitter. 11 Then someone said to me, "You must prophesy again about many peoples, nations, languages, and kings."
John here describes the seven thunders as making sounds that he could understand as words. However, translators should use their normal word for "thunder" when translating these verses.
This refers to some aspect of the hidden plan of God. It is not necessary to know what this mystery is to translate it. (See: reveal)
John uses similes to help him describe the face, legs, and voice of the mighty angel. Translators should understand other objects in this chapter, such as the rainbow and the cloud, with their normal meanings.
John begins to describe a vision of a mighty angel holding a scroll. In John's vision he is viewing what is happening from earth. This takes place between the blowing of the sixth and seventh trumpets.
John speaks of the angel as if he were wearing a cloud as his clothing. This expression may be understood as metaphor. However, because very unusual things were often seen in visions, it might be understood as a literally true statement in its context.
John compares the brightness of his face with the brightness of the sun. Alternate translation: "His face was bright like the sun"
The word "feet" here refers to the legs. Alternate translation: "his legs were like pillars of fire"
"He stood with his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land"
"Then the angel shouted"
The thunder is described as if it were a person who could speak. Alternate translation: "the seven thunders made a loud noise" or "the thunder sounded very loudly seven times"
Thunder occurring seven times is spoken of as if it were seven different "thunders."
The word "voice" refers to words spoken by someone other than the angel. Alternate translation: "but I heard someone speaking from heaven"
People in John's day would write a message on a scroll and then seal the scroll so that only the person whom the writers wanted to open it were able to open it. This is a metaphor for keeping something secret. Alternate translation: "Keep secret"
He did this to show that he was swearing by God.
"He asked that what he was going to say would be confirmed by the one who lives forever and ever"
Here "the one" refers to God.
"There will be no more waiting" or "God will not delay"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will accomplish his mystery" or "God will complete his secret plan"
John hears the voice from heaven, which he had heard in Revelation 10:4, speak to him again.
The word "voice" refers to the speaker. Alternate translation: "The one I heard speak from heaven" or "The one who had spoken to me from heaven"
John heard
"The angel said to me"
"make ... sour" or "make ... acid." This refers to a bad taste from the stomach after eating something that is not good.
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This refers to the people who speak the languages. Alternate translation: "language communities" or "groups of people who speak their own languages"
1 A reed was given to me to use like a measuring rod. I was told, "Get up and measure the temple of God and the altar, and those who worship in it. 2 But do not measure the courtyard outside the temple, for it has been given over to the Gentiles. They will trample the holy city for forty-two months. 3 I will give my two witnesses authority to prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth." 4 These witnesses are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that have stood before the Lord of the earth. 5 If anyone chooses to harm them, fire comes out of their mouth and devours their enemies. Anyone who wishes to harm them must be killed in this way. 6 These witnesses have authority to close up the sky so that no rain will fall during the days that they prophesy. They have power to turn the waters to blood and to strike the earth with every kind of plague whenever they wish. 7 When they will have finished their testimony, the beast that comes up from the bottomless pit will wage war against them. He will conquer them and kill them. 8 Their bodies will lie in the street of the great city (which is symbolically called Sodom and Egypt) where their Lord was crucified. 9 For three and a half days some from every people, tribe, language, and nation will look at their bodies. They will not permit them to be placed in a tomb. 10 Those who live on the earth will rejoice over them and celebrate. They will even send gifts to one another because these two prophets tormented those who lived on the earth. 11 But after three and a half days a breath of life from God will enter them, and they will stand on their feet. Great fear will fall on those who see them. 12 Then they will hear a loud voice from heaven say to them, "Come up here!" Then they will go up into heaven in a cloud, while their enemies look on. 13 At that hour there will be a major earthquake, and a tenth part of the city will collapse. Seven thousand people will be killed in the earthquake, and the survivors will be terrified and give glory to the God of heaven.
14 The second woe is past. Look! The third woe is coming quickly.
15 Then the seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and loud voices spoke in heaven and said,
"The kingdom of the world has become
the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ,
and he will reign forever and ever."
16 Then the twenty-four elders, who sit on their thrones in the presence of God, fell upon their faces and worshiped God. 17 They said,
"We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty,
the one who is and who was,
because you have taken your great power
and have begun to reign. [1]
18 The nations were enraged,
but your wrath has come.
The time has come for the dead to be judged
and for you to reward your servants the prophets
and God's holy people, and those who feared your name,
both the unimportant and the mighty.
The time has come
for you to destroy those who are destroying the earth."
19 Then God's temple in heaven was opened and the ark of his covenant was seen within his temple. There were flashes of lightning, rumblings, crashes of thunder, an earthquake, and a great hailstorm.
Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in verses 15 and 17-18.
John describes several "woes" in the book of Revelation. This chapter describes a second and third "woe" announced at the end of Chapter 8.
The word "Gentiles" here refers to ungodly people groups and not Gentile Christians. (See: godly)
Scholars have suggested many different ideas about these two witnesses. Translators do not need to understand this passage to accurately translate it. (See: prophet)
This image is seen several times in the Book of Revelation. It is a picture of hell as being inescapable and the opposite direction as heaven. (See: hell)
John begins to describe a vision about receiving a measuring rod and about two witnesses that God appointed. This vision also takes place between the blowing of the sixth and seventh trumpets.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Someone gave me a reed"
The words "me" and "I" refer to John.
"count those who worship in the temple"
to treat something as worthless by walking on it
"42 months"
God continues speaking to John.
"for one thousand two hundred and sixty days" or "for twelve hundred and sixty days"
Why they will wear sackcloth can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "days, wearing rough mourning clothes" or "days. They will wear scratchy clothes to show that they are very sad"
The two olive trees and the two lampstands symbolize these people, but they are not literally the people. Alternate translation: "The two olive trees and the two lampstands that have stood before the Lord of the earth represent these witnesses"
John expects his readers to know about them because many years earlier another prophet had written about them. Alternate translation: "the two olive trees and the two lampstands, told about in scripture, that"
Because this is about future events, it can also be stated in the future tense. Alternate translation: "fire will come out of their mouth and devour their enemies"
Fire burning and killing people is spoken of as if it were an animal that could eat them up. Alternate translation: "fire will come ... and destroy their enemies" or "fire will come ... and completely burn up their enemies"
John speaks of the sky as if it had a door that can be opened to let rain fall or closed to stop the rain. Alternate translation: "to keep rain from falling from the sky"
"the time that they prophesy." The word "days" here can refer to weeks, months, or years.
"to change"
John speaks of the plagues as if they were a stick that someone could hit the earth with. Alternate translation: "to cause all kinds of trouble to occur on earth"
This is an extremely deep, narrow hole. Possible meanings are 1) the pit has no bottom; it continues to go down further forever or 2) the pit is so deep that it is as if it had no bottom. See how you translated this in Revelation 9:1.
This refers to the bodies of the two witnesses.
The city had more than one street. This was a public place where people could see them. Alternate translation: "in one of the streets of the great city" or "in the main street of the great city"
They served the Lord, and, like him, would die in that city.
"3 full days and one half day" or "3.5 days" or "3 1/2 days"
This will be a sign of disrespect.
"will rejoice that the two witnesses have died"
This action shows how happy the people were.
This is the reason that the people will be so happy that the witnesses have died.
"3 full days and one half day" or "3.5 days" or "3 1/2 days." See how you translated this in [Revelation 11:9]
The ability to breathe is spoken of as if it were something that can go into people. Alternate translation: "God will cause the two witnesses to breathe again and live"
Fear is spoken of as if it is a object that can fall on people. Alternate translation: "Those who see them will be extremely afraid"
Possible meanings are 1) the two witnesses will hear or 2) the people will hear what is said to the two witnesses.
The word "voice" refers to the one who speaks. Alternate translation: "someone speak loudly to them from heaven and"
"say to the two witnesses"
"7,000 people"
"those who do not die" or "those who are still living"
"say that the God of heaven is glorious"
"The second terrible event is over." See how you translated "The first woe is past" in Revelation 9:12.
Existing in the future is spoken of as coming. Alternate translation: "The third woe will happen soon"
The last of the seven angels begins to sound his trumpet.
This is the last of the seven angels. See how you translated "seventh" in [Revelation 8.1]
The phrase "loud voices" represents speakers who spoke loudly. Alternate translation: "speakers in heaven spoke loudly and said"
Here "kingdom" refers to the authority to rule the world. Alternate translation: "The authority to rule the world now belongs to our Lord and his Christ" or "Our Lord and his Christ are now the rulers of the world"
This refers to everyone in the world. Alternate translation: "everyone in the world"
"24 elders." See how you translated this in [Revelation 4:4]
This is an idiom that means they lay down facing the ground. See how you translated "prostrated themselves" in [Revelation 4:10]
These phrases can be stated as sentences. Alternate translation: "you, Lord God, the ruler over all. You are the one who is, and you are the one who was"
"the one who exists" or "the one who lives"
"who has always existed" or "who has always lived"
What God did with his great power can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "you have defeated with your power everyone who has rebelled against you"
The words "you" and "your" refer to God.
The twenty-four elders continue praising God.
"were extremely angry"
Existing in the present is spoken of as having come. Alternate translation: "You are ready to show your anger"
Existing in the present is spoken of as having come. Alternate translation: "The time is right" or "Now is the time"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "for God to judge the dead"
This nominal adjective can be stated as a verb or adjective. Alternate translation: "Those who have died" or "the dead people"
This list explains what "your servants" means. These were not three completely different groups of people. The prophets also were believers and feared God's name. "Name" here is a metonym for the person of Jesus Christ. Alternate translation: "the prophets, those who are believers, and those who fear you" or "the prophets and the others who are believers and fear your name"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Then someone opened God's temple in heaven"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "I saw the ark of his covenant in his temple"
Use your language's way of describing what lightning looks like each time it appears. See how you translated this in Revelation 4:5.
These are the loud noises that thunder makes. Use your language's way of describing the sound of thunder. See how you translated this in Revelation 4:5.
1 A great sign was seen in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars on her head. 2 She was pregnant, and she was crying out in birth pains, in the anguish of childbirth. 3 Then another sign was seen in heaven: Look! There was a huge red dragon that had seven heads and ten horns, and there were seven crowns on his heads. 4 His tail swept away a third of the stars in heaven and hurled them down to the earth. The dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, so that when she gave birth, he would devour her child. 5 She gave birth to a son, a male child, who would rule all the nations with an iron rod. Her child was snatched away to God and to his throne, 6 and the woman fled into the wilderness, where God had prepared a place for her, so she could be taken care of for 1,260 days.
7 Now there was war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. 8 But the dragon was not strong enough to win. So there was no longer any place in heaven for him and his angels. 9 The great dragon—that old serpent called the Devil or Satan, who deceives the whole world—was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. 10 Then I heard a loud voice in heaven:
"Now have come the salvation and the power
and the kingdom of our God,
and the authority of his Christ.
For the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down,
the one who accused them before our God day and night.
11 They conquered him
by the blood of the Lamb
and by the word of their testimony,
for they did not love their lives
even to death.
12 Therefore rejoice, you heavens
and all who reside in them!
But woe to the earth and to the sea,
because the devil has gone down to you!
He is filled with terrible anger
and knows that he has only a little time!
13 When the dragon realized he had been thrown down to the earth, he pursued the woman who had given birth to the male child. 14 But the woman was given the two wings of a great eagle so that she would flee to the place prepared for her in the wilderness. This was the place where she would be taken care of, for a time, times, and half a time—out of the serpent's presence. 15 The serpent poured water out of his mouth like a river so that he might make a flood to sweep her away. 16 But the earth helped the woman. The earth opened its mouth and swallowed the river that the dragon was pouring out of his mouth. 17 Then the dragon was enraged at the woman and went off to wage war with the rest of her descendants, those who obey God's commandments and hold to the testimony about Jesus. 18 Then the dragon stood on the sand of the seashore.
Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in verses 10-12.
The Book of Revelation uses imagery from the Old Testament. For example, John refers to Satan as the serpent. This image comes from the account of the Garden of Eden when Satan tempted Eve.
By using the passive voice here, John does not say who saw this great sign in heaven. The translation may be difficult when the subject is unclear, if your language does not have a passive voice. Many English translations use the past tense here and say "A great sign appeared in heaven."
John begins to describe a woman who appears in his vision.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "A great sign appeared in heaven" or "I, John, saw a great sign in heaven"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "a woman who was wearing the sun and had the moon under her feet"
This was apparently a likeness of a wreath made of laurel leaves or olive branches, but with twelve stars included in it.
"12 stars"
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John describes a dragon that appears in his vision.
This was a large, fierce reptile, like a lizard. For Jewish people, it was a symbol of evil and chaos.
"With his tail he swept away a third of the stars"
"one third." See how you translated this in [Revelation 8:7]
Ruling harshly is spoken of as ruling with an iron rod. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Revelation 2:27]
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God quickly took her child to himself"
"for one thousand two hundred and sixty days" or "for twelve hundred and sixty days"
John uses this word to mark a shift in his account to introduce something else happening in his vision.
This was a large, fierce reptile, like a lizard. For Jewish people, it was a symbol of evil and chaos. The dragon is also identified in verse 9 as "the devil or Satan." See how you translated this in [Revelation 12:3]
"So the dragon and his angels could no longer stay in heaven"
The information about the serpent can be given in a separate sentence after the statement that it was thrown down to the earth. Alternate translation: "dragon was thrown down to earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. He is the old serpent who deceives the world and is called the Devil or Satan"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God threw the great dragon ... and his angels out of heaven and sent them to the earth"
The word "I" refers to John.
The word "voice" refers to someone who speaks. Alternate translation: "I heard someone saying loudly from heaven"
God saving people by his power is spoken of as if his salvation and power were things that have come. God's ruling and Christ's authority are also spoken of as if they have come. Alternate translation: "Now God has saved his people by his power, God rules as king, and his Christ has all authority"
"have begun to really exist" or "have appeared" or "have become real." God is revealing these things because their time to occur has "come." It is not that they did not exist before.
This is the dragon that was thrown down in Revelation 12:9.
Fellow believers are spoken of as if they were brothers. Alternate translation: "our fellow believers"
These two parts of the day are used together to mean "all the time" or "without stopping"
The loud voice from heaven continues to speak.
"They conquered the accuser"
The blood refers to his death. Alternate translation: "because the lamb had shed his blood and died for them"
The word "testimony" can be expressed with the verb "testify." Also, whom they testified about can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "by what they said when they testified to others about Jesus"
The believers told the truth about Jesus, even though they knew that their enemies might try to kill them because of it. Alternate translation: "but kept testifying even though they knew that doing so might cause their death"
The devil is spoken of as if he were a container, and anger is spoken of as if it were a liquid that could be in him. Alternate translation: "He is terribly angry"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the dragon realized that God had thrown him out of heaven and sent him to earth"
"he chased after the woman"
This was a large, fierce reptile, like a lizard. For Jewish people, it was a symbol of evil and chaos. The dragon is also identified in verse 9 as "the devil or Satan." See how you translated this in [Revelation 12:3]
This is another way of referring to the dragon. Alternate translation: "the dragon's presence"
This is the same being as the dragon mentioned earlier in Revelation 12:9.
The water flowed from his mouth like a river flows. Alternate translation: "poured a very large amount of water out of his mouth so that"
"river; he was trying to make a flood that would sweep"
"to wash her away"
The earth is spoken of as if it were a living thing, and a hole in the earth is spoken of as if it were a mouth that could drink up the water. Alternate translation: "A hole in the ground opened up and the water went down into the hole"
This was a large, fierce reptile, like a lizard. For Jewish people, it was a symbol of evil and chaos. The dragon is also identified in verse 9 as "the devil or Satan." See how you translated this in [Revelation 12:3]
The word "testimony" can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: "continue to testify about Jesus"
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1 Then I saw a beast coming up out of the sea. It had ten horns and seven heads. On its horns were ten crowns, and on each of its heads was a blasphemous name. 2 This beast I saw was like a leopard. Its feet were like a bear's feet, and its mouth was like a lion's mouth. The dragon gave it his power, his throne, and his great authority to rule. 3 One of the beast's heads seemed to have a fatal wound, but that fatal wound had been healed. The whole earth marveled as they followed the beast. 4 They also worshiped the dragon, for he had given his authority to the beast. They worshiped the beast, too, and kept saying, "Who is like the beast?" and "Who can fight against it?" 5 The beast was given a mouth that could speak proud words and blasphemies. It was permitted to exercise authority for forty-two months. 6 So the beast opened its mouth to speak blasphemies against God, blaspheming his name and his tabernacle, those who live in heaven. 7 The beast was permitted to wage war with God's holy people and to conquer them. Also, authority was given to it over every tribe, people, language, and nation. 8 All who live on the earth will worship it, everyone whose name was not written in the Book of Life, which belongs to the Lamb who had been slaughtered from the foundation of the world. 9 If anyone has an ear, let him hear.
10 If anyone is to be taken into captivity,
into captivity he will go.
If anyone is to be killed with the sword,
with the sword he will be killed.
Here is a call for the patient endurance and faith of God's holy people.
11 Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth. He had two horns like a lamb, and it spoke like a dragon. 12 He exercised all the authority of the first beast in his presence, and he made the earth and those who live on it worship the first beast—the one whose lethal wound had been healed. 13 He performed mighty miracles. He even made fire come down on the earth from heaven in front of people. 14 By the signs he was given power on behalf of the beast, he deceived those who live on the earth, telling them to set up an image for the beast—who was wounded by the sword, but he still lived. 15 He was permitted to give breath to the beast's image so that the image would even speak and cause all who refused to worship the beast to be killed. 16 He also forced everyone, unimportant and mighty, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on the right hand or on the forehead. 17 It was impossible for anyone to buy or sell unless he had the mark of the beast, that is, the number representing its name. 18 This calls for wisdom. If anyone has insight, let him calculate the number of the beast. For it is the number of a human being. His number is 666.
Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in verse 10, which is from the Old Testament.
John uses many similes in this chapter. They help to describe the images that he sees in his vision.
John uses different animals to try to describe what he saw. Some of these animals may not be known in the target language.
John begins to describe a beast who appears in his vision. The word "I" here refers to John.
This was a large, fierce reptile, like a lizard. For Jewish people, it was a symbol of evil and chaos. The dragon is also identified as "the devil or Satan." See how you translated this in [Revelation 12:3]
The dragon made the beast as powerful as he was. He did not lose his power, however, by giving it to the beast.
These are three ways of referring to his authority, and together they emphasize that the authority was great.
The word "throne" here refers to the dragon's authority to rule as king. Alternate translation: "his royal authority" or "his authority to rule as king"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "but that fatal wound had healed"
"deadly wound"
The word "earth" refers to the people on it. Alternate translation: "All the people on the earth"
"obeyed the beast"
This was a large, fierce reptile, like a lizard. For Jewish people, it was a symbol of evil and chaos. The dragon is also identified as "the devil or Satan." See how you translated this in [Revelation 12:3]
"he had caused the beast to have as much authority as he had"
This question shows how amazed they were about the beast. Alternate translation: "No one is as powerful as the beast!"
This question shows how much the people feared the power of the beast. Alternate translation: "No one could ever fight against the beast and win!"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God gave the beast ... God permitted the beast"
Being given a mouth refers to being allowed to speak. Alternate translation: "The beast was allowed to speak"
"42 months"
"to say disrespectful things about God"
The words "those who live in heaven" describe "his tabernacle." John is speaking as though God's people were a tabernacle in which God dwells. Alternate translation: "blaspheming his name and those who live in heaven, who are like a tabernacle for him"
God's name is a metonym for God himself. Alternate translation: "blaspheming God"
Some modern translations read, "his name, his tabernacle, and those who live in heaven."
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God gave authority to the beast"
This means that people from every ethnic group are included. See how you translated a similar list in Revelation 5:9.
"will worship the beast"
This phrase clarifies who on the earth will worship the beast. It can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "those whose names the Lamb did not write ... in The Book of Life" or "those whose names were not ... in the Book of Life"
The author speaks of the world as if it were a building set on a foundation. Alternate translation: "from the time that God created the world"
A "lamb" is a young sheep. Here is it used symbolically to refer to Christ. See how you translated this in [Revelation 5:6]
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "whom the people slaughtered"
These verses are a break from John's account of his vision. Here he give a warning to the people reading his account.
Jesus is emphasizing that what he is about to say is important. The phrase "has an ear" here is a metonym for the willingness to understand and obey. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Revelation 2:7]
Since Jesus is speaking directly to his audience, you may prefer to use the second person here. See how you translated this phrase in [Revelation 2:7]
This expression means that someone has decided who should be taken. If needed, translators may state clearly who decided it. Alternate translation: "If God has decided that someone should be taken" or "If it is God's will that someone should be taken"
This can be stated in active form. The noun "captivity" can be stated with the verb "capture." Alternate translation: "If it is God's will for the enemy to capture a certain person"
The noun "captivity" can be stated with the verb "capture." Alternate translation: "he will be captured" or "the enemy will capture him"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "If it is God's will for the enemy to kill a certain person with a sword"
The sword represents war. Alternate translation: "in war"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the enemy will kill him"
"God's holy people must endure patiently and be faithful"
John begins to describe another beast who appears in his vision.
Harsh speech is spoken of as if it were the roar of a dragon. Alternate translation: "it spoke harshly like a dragon speaks"
This was a large, fierce reptile, like a lizard. For Jewish people, it was a symbol of evil and chaos. The dragon is also identified as "the devil or Satan." See how you translated this in [Revelation 12:3]
"everyone on the earth"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the one who had a lethal wound that healed"
"deadly wound." This was an injury that was serious enough that it could have made him die.
"The beast from the earth performed"
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This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God permitted the beast from the earth"
Here the word "breath" represents life. Alternate translation: "to give life to the beast's image"
This is the image of the first beast that had been mentioned.
"put to death anyone who refused to worship the first beast"
"The beast from the earth also forced everyone"
"People could buy or sell things only if they had the mark of the beast." The implicit information that the beast from the earth commanded it can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "He commanded that people could buy or sell things only if they had the mark of the beast"
This was an identifying mark that indicated that the person who received it worshiped the beast.
This verse is a break from John's account of his vision. Here he gives another warning to the people reading his account.
"Wisdom is needed" or "You need to be wise about this"
The word "insight" can be translated with the verb "understand." Alternate translation: "If anyone is able to understand things"
"he should discern what the number of the beast means" or "he should figure out what the number of the beast means"
Possible meanings are 1) the number represents one person or 2) the number represents all of humanity.
1 I looked and saw the Lamb standing on Mount Zion. With him were 144,000 who had his name and his Father's name written on their foreheads. 2 I heard a voice from heaven sounding like a roar of many waters and loud thunder. The sound I heard was also like harpists playing their harps. 3 They sang a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders. No one could learn the song except for the 144,000 who had been bought from the earth. 4 These are the ones that have not defiled themselves with women, for they have kept themselves sexually pure. It is these who follow the Lamb wherever he goes. These were redeemed from among mankind as firstfruits for God and for the Lamb. 5 No lie was found in their mouth; they are blameless.
6 I saw another angel flying in midair, who had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth—to every nation, tribe, language, and people. 7 He called out with a loud voice, "Fear God and give him glory. For the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him, the one who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and the springs of water."
8 Another angel—a second angel—followed, saying, "Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, who persuaded all the nations to drink the wine of her immoral passion."
9 Another angel—a third angel—followed them, saying with a loud voice, "If anyone worships the beast and his image and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, 10 he will also drink some of the wine of God's wrath, the wine that has been poured undiluted into the cup of his anger. The person who drinks it will be tormented with fire and sulfur before God's holy angels and before the Lamb. 11 The smoke from their torment goes up forever and ever, and they have no rest day or night—these worshipers of the beast and his image, and everyone who receives the mark of his name. 12 Here is a call for the patient endurance of God's holy people, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus."
13 I heard a voice from heaven say, "Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord."
"Yes," says the Spirit, "so that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds will follow them."
14 I looked, and there was a white cloud. Seated on the cloud was one like a son of man. He had a golden crown on his head and a sharp sickle in his hand. 15 Then another angel came out of the temple and called with a loud voice to the one sitting on the cloud: "Take your sickle and start to reap. For the time to reap has come, since the harvest of the earth is ripe." 16 Then the one who was sitting on the cloud swung his sickle over the earth, and the earth was reaped.
17 Another angel came out from the temple in heaven; he also had a sharp sickle. 18 Still another angel came out from the incense altar, who had authority over the fire. He called out with a loud voice to the one who had the sharp sickle, "Take your sharp sickle and gather in the clusters of grapes from the vines of the earth, for their grapes are now ripe." 19 The angel swung his sickle to the earth and harvested the grapevine of the earth. He threw it into the great winepress of God's wrath. 20 The winepress was trodden outside the city, and blood poured out from it up to the height of a horse's bridle, for 1,600 stadia.
Harvest is when people go out to gather ripe food from plants. Jesus used this as a metaphor to teach his followers that they need to go and tell other people about him so those people can be part of God's kingdom. This chapter uses the metaphor of two harvests. Jesus gathers in his people from the whole earth. Then an angel gathers in wicked people whom God will punish. (See: and harvest and faith)
The word "I" refers to John.
John begins to describe the next part of his vision. There are 144,000 believers standing before the Lamb.
A "lamb" is a young sheep. Here is it used symbolically to refer to Christ. See how you translated this in [Revelation 5:6]
"one hundred forty-four thousand." See how you translated this in [Revelation 7:4]
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "on whose foreheads the Lamb and his Father had written their names"
This is an important title for God that describes the relationship between God and Jesus.
"a sound from heaven"
"The 144,000 people sang a new song." This explains what the sound was that John heard. Alternate translation: "That sound was a new song that they sang"
"the four living beings" or "the four living things." See how you translated "living creature" in Revelation 4:6
This refers to the twenty-four elders around the throne. See how you translated "elders" in Revelation 4:4.
This double negative emphasizes that the 144,000 were unique. Alternate translation: "The only ones who could learn the song were the 144,000"
"one hundred forty-four thousand." See how you translated this in [Revelation 7:4]
Possible meanings are 1) "have never had immoral sexual relations with a woman" or 2) "have never had sexual relations with a woman." Defiling oneself with women may be a symbol of worshiping idols.
Possible meanings are 1) "they have not had sexual relations with a woman who was not their wife" or 2) "they are virgins."
Doing what the Lamb does is spoken of as following him. Alternate translation: "they do whatever the Lamb does" or "they obey the Lamb"
"Firstfruits" here is a metaphor for the first offering to be made to God in celebration of harvest. Alternate translation: "purchased out of the midst of the rest of mankind as a special celebration of salvation"
Their "mouth" refers to what they said." Alternate translation: "They never lied when they spoke"
John begins to describe the next part of his vision. This is the first of three angels who proclaim judgment on the earth.
This means that people from every ethnic group are included. See how you translated a similar list in Revelation 5:9.
Here "the hour" represents the time that has been chosen for something, and the hour having "come" is a metaphor for now being the chosen time. The idea of "judgment" can be expressed with a verb. Alternate translation: "now is the time that God has chosen for judgment" or "it is now the time for God to judge people"
The angel speaks of Babylon having been destroyed as if it had fallen. Alternate translation: "Babylon the great has been destroyed"
"Babylon the large city" or "the important city of Babylon." This was probably a symbol for the city of Rome, which was large, wealthy, and sinful.
Babylon is spoken of as if it were a person, instead of a city filled with people.
This is a symbol for participating in her sexually immoral passion. Alternate translation: "to be sexually immoral like her" or "to get drunk like her in sexual sin"
Babylon is spoken of as if it were a prostitute who has caused other people to sin along with her. This may well have a double meaning: literal sexual immorality and also the worship of false gods.
"loudly"
Drinking the wine of God's wrath is a symbol for being punished by God. Alternate translation: "will also drink some of the wine that represents God's wrath"
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: "that God has poured full strength"
This means that the wine has no water mixed into it. It is strong, and a person who drinks much of it will get very drunk. As a symbol, it means that God will be extremely angry, not just a little angry.
This symbolic cup holds the wine that represents God's anger.
The third angel continues to speak.
The phrase "their torment" refers to the fire that torments them. Alternate translation: "The smoke from the fire that torments them"
"they have no relief" or "the torment does not stop"
"God's holy people must endure patiently and be faithful." See how you translated a similar phrase in Revelation 13:10.
"those who die"
"who are united with the Lord when they die." This may refer to people who are killed by their enemies. Alternate translation: "who die because they are united to the Lord"
difficulties and sufferings
These deeds are spoken of as if they were alive and able to follow those who did them. Possible meanings are 1) "others will know the good deeds these people have done" or 2) "God will reward them for their deeds"
John begins to describe the next part of his vision. This part is about the Son of Man harvesting the earth. Harvesting the grain is a symbol of God's judging people.
This expression describes a human figure, someone who looks human. See how you translated this in [Revelation 1:13]
This was the likeness of a wreath of olive branches or laurel leaves, hammered out in gold. Examples actually made of leaves were given to victorious athletes to wear on their heads.
a tool with a curved blade used for cutting grass, grain, and vines
"came out of the heavenly temple"
Existing in the present is spoken of as having come.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "he reaped the earth"
John continues describing his vision about the earth being harvested.
Here "authority over" refers to responsibility to tend the fire.
John describes the earth as a grapevine full of ripe grapes that the angel is harvesting. The grapevine is a metonym for the grapes on the vine, and the grapes are a metaphor for the people of the earth. Alternate translation: "harvested the earth as if he were a person harvesting grapes ... threw the harvest" or "took away the people of the earth as if he were a person harvesting grapes ... threw them"
"threw the grapevine," a metonym for the harvest from the grapevine, or "threw the harvest from the grapevine"
"the large winepress where God will show his wrath." A winepress is a large container in which people put grapes and then crush them to get the juice out. John is saying that the angel will take the people of the earth and put them where God will punish or destroy them because he is angry with them.
This is "the great wine vat" of Revelation 14:19.
"as high as the bridle on a horse's head"
a device made of leather straps that goes around a horse's head and is used for directing the horse
"one thousand six hundred stadia" or "sixteen hundred stadia." A "stadium" is 185 meters. In modern measures this would be about "300 kilometers" or "200 miles."
1 Then I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous: There were seven angels with seven plagues, which are the final plagues, for with them the wrath of God will be completed.
2 I saw what appeared to be a sea of glass mixed with fire. Standing beside the sea were those who had been victorious over the beast and his image and over the number representing his name. They were holding harps given to them by God. 3 They were singing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb:
"Great and marvelous are your deeds,
Lord God, the Almighty.
Just and true are your ways,
King of the nations.
4 Who will not fear you, Lord,
and glorify your name?
For you alone are holy.
All nations will come
and worship before you
because your righteous deeds have been revealed."
5 After these things I looked, and the temple of the tabernacle of witness was open in heaven. 6 Out of the temple came the seven angels holding the seven plagues. They were clothed with pure, bright linen and had golden sashes around their chests. 7 One of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls full of the wrath of God, who lives forever and ever. 8 The temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from his power. No one could enter it until the seven plagues of the seven angels were completed.
In this chapter John describes events and pictures that occur in heaven.
Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in verses 3-4.
Those who are "victorious over the beast" are spiritually victorious. While most spiritual battles cannot be seen, the Book of Revelation pictures spiritual battles as openly occurring.
Scripture elsewhere indicates the earthly temple copied God's perfect dwelling place in heaven. Here John seems to refer to God's heavenly dwelling place or temple.
The Book of Revelation often describes heaven as a place where people sing. They worship God with songs. This illustrates that heaven is a place where God is always worshiped.
This verse is a summary of what will happen in 15:6-16:21.
These words have similar meanings and are used for emphasis. Alternate translation: "something that greatly amazed me"
"seven angels who had authority to send seven plagues on the earth"
"and after them, there will not be any more plagues"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "for these plagues will complete the wrath of God"
Possible meanings are 1) these plagues will show all of God's anger or 2) after these plagues, God will no longer be angry.
Here John begins to describe his vision of the people who had been victorious over the beast and who were praising God.
How it was like glass or a sea can be stated clearly. Possible meanings are 1) a sea is spoken of as if it were glass. Alternate translation: "a sea that was as smooth as glass" or 2) glass if spoken of as if it were a sea. See how you translated this in [Revelation 4:6]
How they were victorious can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "who had been victorious over the beast and his image by not worshiping them"
How they were victorious over the number can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "over the number representing his name by not being marked with that number"
This refers to the number described in Revelation 13:18.
"Those who had been victorious over the beast were singing"
This question is used to show their amazement at how great and glorious the Lord is. It can be expressed as an exclamation. Alternate translation: "Lord, everyone will fear you and glorify your name!"
The phrase "your name" refers to God. Alternate translation: "glorify you"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you have made everyone know about your righteous deeds"
The seven angels with the seven plagues come out of the most holy place. They were spoken of previously in Revelation 15:1.
"After the people finished singing"
The words "the temple" seem to refer either literally to a solid building or metaphorically to a tent or tabernacle. Possible meanings of "tabernacle of witness" are 1) "the tabernacle" is the place where the priests had set the "witness," also called "the ark of the testimony," or 2) the "tabernacle of witness" is another name for "the ark of the testimony."
This is the "temple" spoken of in Revelation 15:5.
These angels were seen as holding seven plagues because in Revelation 17:7 they are given seven bowls full of the wrath of God.
a fine, expensive cloth made from flax
A sash is a decorative piece of cloth worn on the upper body.
"the four living beings" or "the four living things." See how you translated "living creatures" in Revelation 4:6
The image of the wine in the bowls can be stated clearly. The word "wrath" here refers to punishment. The wine is a symbol for punishment. Alternate translation: "seven gold bowls full of the wine that represents the wrath of God"
"until the seven angels finished sending the seven plagues to the earth"
1 I heard a loud voice call out of the temple and say to the seven angels, "Go and pour out on the earth the seven bowls of God's wrath."
2 The first angel went and poured out his bowl on the earth; ugly and painful sores came on the people who had the mark of the beast, those who worshiped his image.
3 The second angel poured out his bowl into the sea. It became blood, like the blood of a dead person, and every living thing in the sea died.
4 The third angel poured out his bowl into the rivers and the springs of water, and they became blood. 5 I heard the angel of the waters say,
"You are righteous—the one who is and who was, the Holy One—
because you have judged these things.
6 Because they poured out the blood of God's holy people and prophets,
you have given them blood to drink;
it is what they deserve."
7 I heard the altar reply,
"Yes, Lord God Almighty,
your judgments are true and righteous."
8 The fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and it was given permission to scorch the people with fire. 9 They were scorched by the terrible heat, and they blasphemed the name of God, who has the authority over these plagues. They did not repent or give him glory.
10 Then the fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and darkness covered its kingdom. They chewed on their tongues because of the pain. 11 They blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pain and sores, and they still refused to repent of their deeds.
12 The sixth angel poured out his bowl into the great river, the Euphrates. Its water was dried up in order to prepare the way for the kings that would come from the east. 13 I saw three unclean spirits that looked like frogs coming out of the mouths of the dragon, of the beast, and of the false prophet. 14 For they are spirits of demons performing miraculous signs. They were going out to the kings of the whole world in order to gather them together for the battle on the great day of God Almighty. 15 ("Look! I am coming as a thief! Blessed is the one who keeps watching, keeping his garments on so that he does not walk around naked and so that they do not see his shameful condition.")
16 They brought them together at the place that is called Armageddon in Hebrew.
17 Then the seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air. Then a loud voice came out of the temple and from the throne, saying, "It is done!" 18 There were flashes of lightning, rumblings, crashes of thunder, and a terrible earthquake—an earthquake greater than any that has ever happened since human beings have been on the earth, so great was this earthquake. 19 The great city was split into three parts, and the nations' cities collapsed. Then God called to mind Babylon the great, and he gave that city the cup filled with the wine made from his furious wrath. 20 Every island disappeared, and the mountains were no longer found. 21 Great hailstones, weighing about a talent, came down from the sky upon the people. They blasphemed God for the plague of hail because that plague was so terrible.
This chapter continues the vision of chapter 15. Together they give the seven plagues that complete the wrath of God. (See: wrath)
Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in verses 5-7.
This is the same temple that was mentioned in chapter 15.
This chapter reveals severe judgments. They are pictured as angels pouring out seven bowls of God's wrath.
The tone of this chapter is meant to astonish the reader. Translations should not minimize the vivid language expressed in this chapter.
This is a Hebrew word. It is the name of a place. John used the sounds of the Hebrew word and wrote them with Greek letters. Translators are encouraged to transliterate it using the letters of the target language.
John continues to describe the part of the vision about the seven angels with the seven plagues. The seven plagues are the seven bowls of God's wrath.
The word "I" refers to John.
The image of the wine in the bowls can be stated clearly. The word "wrath" here refers to punishment. The wine is a symbol for punishment. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Revelation 15:7]
The word "bowl" refers to what is in it. Alternate translation: "poured out the wine from his bowl" or "poured out God's wrath from his bowl"
"painful wounds." These could be infections from diseases or injuries that have not healed.
This was an identifying mark that indicated that the person who received it worshiped the beast. See how you translated this in Revelation 13:17.
The word "bowl" refers to what is in it. See how you translated this in [Revelation 16:2]
This refers to all the salt water lakes and oceans.
The word "bowl" refers to what is in it. See how you translated this in [Revelation 16:2]
This refers to all bodies of fresh water.
These words could be a reference to 1) the third angel who was in charge of pouring out God's wrath on the rivers and springs of water or 2) another angel who was in charge of all the waters.
"You" refers to God.
"God who is and who was." See how you translated a similar phrase in Revelation 1:4.
Here "poured out the blood" means killed. Alternate translation: "they murdered God's holy people and the prophets"
God will make the evil people drink the waters that he turned to blood.
The word "altar" here refers perhaps to someone at the altar. "I heard someone at the altar reply"
The word "bowl" refers to what is in it. See how you translated this in [Revelation 16:2]
John speaks about the sun as if it were a person. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "on the sun and caused it to severely burn the people"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The extreme heat burned them badly"
Here the name of God represents God. Alternate translation: "they blasphemed God"
This phrase reminds readers of something they already know about God. It helps to explain why the people were blaspheming God. Alternate translation: "God because he has the authority over these plagues"
This refers to the power to inflict these plagues on people, and the power to stop the plagues.
The word "bowl" refers to what is in it. See how you translated this in [Revelation 16:2]
This is where the beast reigns from. It may refer to the capital city of his kingdom.
Here "darkness" is spoken of as if it were something like a blanket. Alternate translation: "it became dark in all his kingdom" or "all of his kingdom became dark"
The people in the beast's kingdom chewed.
The people in the beast's kingdom blasphemed.
The word "bowl" refers to what is in it. See how you translated this in [Revelation 16:2]
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the Euphrates. Its water dried up" or "the Euphrates, and caused its water to dry up"
A frog is a small animal that lives near water. Jews considered them unclean animals.
This was a large, fierce reptile, like a lizard. For Jewish people, it was a symbol of evil and chaos. The dragon is also identified in 12:9 as "the devil or Satan." See how you translated this in [Revelation 12:3]
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This is in parentheses to show that it is not part of the vision about the spirits. Rather, this is something that the Lord Jesus said. It can be stated clearly that the Lord Jesus said this, as in the UDB.
Jesus will come at a time when people do not expect him, just as a thief comes when not expected. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Revelation 3:3]
Living the right way is spoken of as keeping one's clothes on. Alternate translation: "doing what is right, like keeping his clothes on"
Some versions translate this as, "keeping his garments with him."
Walking around naked is a metaphor for living foolishly without knowing it. Alternate translation: "does not live foolishly"
Here the word "they" refers to other people.
This is a general term for anything of which a person should be ashamed. Here the shame is from living foolishly. Alternate translation: "those things of which he should be ashamed"
"The spirits of the demons brought the kings and their armies together"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the place that people call"
This is the name of a place.
The seventh angel pours out the seventh bowl of God's wrath.
The word "bowl" refers to what is in it. See how you translated this in [Revelation 16:2]
This means someone sitting on the throne or someone standing near the throne spoke loudly. It is unclear who is speaking.
Use your language's way of describing what lightning looks like each time it appears. See how you translated this in Revelation 4:5.
These are the loud noises that thunder makes. Use your language's way of describing the sound of thunder. See how you translated this in Revelation 4:5.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The earthquake split the great city"
"Then God remembered" or "Then God thought of" or "Then God started to pay attention to." This does not mean that God remembered something he had forgotten.
The wine is a symbol of his wrath. Making people drink it is a symbol of punishing them. Alternate translation: "he made the people of that city drink the wine that represents his wrath"
This is part of the seventh bowl of God's wrath.
The inability to see any mountains is metonymy expressing the idea that no mountains existed any longer. Alternate translation: "there were no longer any mountains"
You may convert this to a modern measure. Alternate translation: "33 kilograms"
1 One of the seven angels who had been holding the seven bowls came and said to me, "Come, I will show you the condemnation of the great prostitute who is seated on many waters, 2 with whom the kings of the earth committed sexual immorality, and with the wine of her sexual immorality the inhabitants of the earth became drunk." 3 Then the angel carried me away in the Spirit to a wilderness, and I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast that was full of blasphemous names. The beast had seven heads and ten horns. 4 The woman was dressed in purple and scarlet and was adorned with gold, precious stones, and pearls. She was holding in her hand a golden cup full of detestable things and the impurities of her sexual immorality. 5 On her forehead was written a name, a mystery: "Babylon the great, the mother of prostitutes and of the detestable things of the earth."
6 I saw that the woman was drunk with the blood of God's holy people and with the blood of the martyrs for Jesus. When I saw her, I was greatly astonished. 7 But the angel said to me, "Why are you astonished? I will explain to you the mystery of the woman and of the beast that is carrying her, the beast that has the seven heads and the ten horns. 8 The beast you saw existed, does not exist now, and is about to come up from the bottomless pit. Then he will go on to destruction. Those who live on the earth, those whose names have not been written in the Book of Life since the foundation of the world—they will be astounded when they see the beast, because he once was, and now is not, and yet will come. 9 This calls for a mind that has wisdom. The seven heads are seven hills on which the woman is seated. 10 They are also seven kings. Five kings have fallen, one exists, and the other has not yet come, and when he comes, he must remain for a little while. 11 The beast that once was, and now is not, yet he is an eighth king. He belongs to the seven and is going to his destruction. 12 The ten horns that you saw are ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom, but they will receive authority as kings for one hour together with the beast. 13 These are of one mind, and they give over their power and authority to the beast. 14 They will wage war against the Lamb. But the Lamb will conquer them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and those with him are the called, chosen, and faithful ones." 15 The angel said to me, "The waters you saw, where the prostitute is seated, are peoples, multitudes, nations, and languages. 16 The ten horns that you saw—they and the beast will hate the prostitute. They will make her desolate and naked, they will devour her flesh, and they will burn her completely with fire. 17 For God has put it into their hearts to carry out his purpose by agreeing to give their power to rule to the beast until God's words are fulfilled. 18 The woman you saw is the great city that has power to rule over the kings of the earth."
This chapter begins to describe how God will destroy Babylon.
Scripture often pictures idolatrous Jews as adulterous people and sometimes as prostitutes. This is not the reference here. The translator should allow this illustration to be vague.
This possibly refers to the city of Rome, which was known as the city on seven hills. However, the translator should not attempt to identify Rome in the translation.
John uses many different metaphors in this chapter. He explains some of their meanings, but allows them to remain relatively unclear. The translator should attempt to do the same.
This and similar phrases in this chapter contrast the beast with Jesus. Jesus is called "the one who is, and who was, and who is to come" elsewhere in the Book of Revelation.
A paradox is a true statement that appears to describe something impossible. This sentence in 17:11 is a paradox: "the beast ... is itself also an eighth king; but it is one of those seven kings." The translator should not attempt to resolve this paradox. It should remain a mystery. (Revelation 17:11)
John begins to describe the part of his vision about the great prostitute.
The noun "condemnation" can be expressed with the verb "condemn." Alternate translation: "how God will condemn the great prostitute"
"the prostitute that everyone knows about." She represents a certain sinful city.
If you need to, you can use a more specific word for the kind of water. Alternate translation: "on many rivers"
The wine represents sexual immorality. Alternate translation: "the people of the earth became drunk by drinking her wine, that is, they were sexually immoral"
This may well have a double meaning: sexual immorality among people and also the worship of false gods.
The setting changes from John being in heaven to being in a wilderness.
beautiful and valuable white beads. They are formed inside the shell of a certain kind of small animal that lives in the ocean.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Someone had written on her forehead a name"
If it needs to be made clear that the name refers to the woman, it can be put in a sentence. Alternate translation: "I am Babylon, the powerful one"
"was drunk because she had drunk the blood ... and had drunk the blood"
"the believers who have died because they told others about Jesus"
amazed, surprised
The angel begins to explain to John the meaning of the prostitute and the red beast. The angel explains these things through verse 18.
The angel used this question to gently scold John. Alternate translation: "You should not be astonished!"
This is an extremely deep, narrow hole. Possible meanings are 1) the pit has no bottom; it continues to go down further forever or 2) the pit is so deep that it is as if it had no bottom. See how you translated this in Revelation 9:1.
The noun "destruction" can be translated with a verb. Alternate translation: "Then he will be destroyed" or "Then God will destroy him"
The certainty of what will happen in the future is spoken of as if the beast were going to it.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "those whose names God did not write"
The author speaks of the world as if it were a building set on a foundation. Alternate translation: "since the creation of the world" or "since God created the world"
The angel continues speaking. Here he explains the meaning of the seven heads of the beast that the woman is riding.
The abstract nouns "mind" and "wisdom" can be expressed with "think" and "wise" or "wisely." Why a wise mind is needed can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: "A wise mind is needed in order to understand this" or "You need to think wisely in order to understand this"
"This makes it necessary to have"
Here "are" means "stand for" or "represent."
The angel speaks of dying as falling. Alternate translation: "Five kings have died"
"one is king now" or "one king is alive now"
Not having existed yet is spoken of as not yet having come. Alternate translation: "the other has not yet become king; when he becomes king"
The angel speaks of someone continuing to be king as if he were remaining in a place. Alternate translation: "he can be king only for a little while"
Possible meanings are 1) the beast rules twice: first as one of the seven kings, and then as the eighth king or 2) the beast belongs to that group of seven kings because he is like them.
The certainty of what will happen in the future is spoken of as if the beast were going to it. Alternate translation: "and will certainly be destroyed" or "and God will surely destroy him"
The angel continues speaking to John. Here he explains the meaning of the ten horns of the beast.
If your language does not divide the day into 24 hours, you may need to use a more general expression. Alternate translation: "for a very short time" or "for a very small part of a day"
"These all think the same thing" or "These all agree to do the same thing"
A "lamb" is a young sheep. Here is it used symbolically to refer to Christ. See how you translated this in [Revelation 5:6]
This refers to one group of people. The words "called" and "chosen" can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: "the ones whom God has called and chosen, who are faithful to him"
Here "are" stands for "represent."
If you need to, you can use a more specific word for the kind of water. See how you translated "many waters" in [Revelation 17:1]
large groups of people
This refers to people who speak the languages. See how you translated this in [Revelation 10:11]
"steal everything that she has and leave her with nothing"
Destroying her completely is spoken of as eating all her flesh. "They will destroy her completely"
They would agree to give their power to the beast, but it would not be that they want to obey God. Alternate translation: "For God has put it into their hearts to agree to give ... until God's words are fulfilled, and by doing this, they would carry out God's purpose"
Here "heart" is a metonym for desires. Making them want to do something is spoken of as putting it in their hearts to do it. Alternate translation: "God has made them want"
"authority" or "kingly authority"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "until God fulfills what he said will happen"
The angel finishes speaking to John about the prostitute and the beast.
Here "is" stands for "represents."
The city having power to rule is a metonym for the leader of the city having power to rule. Alternate translation: "the great city whose leader has power to rule"
1 After these things I saw another angel coming down out of heaven. He had great authority, and the earth was illumined by his glory. 2 He cried out with a mighty voice, saying,
"Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great!
She has become a dwelling place for demons,
a prison for every unclean spirit,
a prison for every unclean bird,
a prison for every unclean and detestable animal.
3 For all the nations have drunk
the wine of her immoral passion.
The kings of the earth have committed immorality with her.
The merchants of the earth have become rich from the power of her sensual way of living."
4 Then I heard another voice from heaven say,
"Come out from her, my people,
so that you will not share in her sins,
and so that you will not receive any of her plagues.
5 Her sins have piled up as high as heaven,
and God has remembered her evil actions.
6 Pay her back as she has paid others back,
and repay her double for her deeds;
in the cup she mixed, mix double the amount for her.
7 As she glorified herself and lived in luxury,
give her just as much torture and grief.
For she says in her heart,
'I am seated as a queen;
I am not a widow,
and I will never see mourning.'
8 Therefore in one day her plagues will come:
death, mourning, and famine.
She will be consumed by fire,
for the Lord God is mighty, and he is her judge."
9 The kings of the earth who committed sexual immorality and went out of control with her will weep and wail over her when they see the smoke of her burning. 10 They will stand off at a distance, afraid of her torment, saying,
"Woe, woe to the great city,
Babylon, the powerful city!
For in a single hour your punishment has come."
11 The merchants of the earth weep and mourn for her since no one buys their merchandise anymore— 12 merchandise of gold, silver, precious stone, pearls, fine linen, purple, silk, scarlet, all kinds of scented wood, every vessel of ivory, every vessel made of most precious wood, bronze, iron, marble, 13 cinnamon, spice, incense, myrrh, frankincense, wine, oil, fine flour, wheat, cattle and sheep, horses and chariots and bodies and souls of people. 14 The fruit that you desired with all your might is gone from you. All your luxury and splendor have vanished, never to be found again. 15 The merchants of these goods who became rich by her will stand away from her at a distance because of the fear of her torment, weeping and mourning loudly.
16 They will say,
"Woe, woe to the great city
that was dressed in fine linen, in purple, and in scarlet,
and was adorned with gold, precious jewels, and pearls!
17 In a single hour all that wealth has been laid waste."
Every ship's captain, every seafaring man, sailors, and all who make their living from the sea stood off at a distance.
18 They cried out as they saw the smoke of her burning. They said, "What city is like the great city?" 19 They threw dust on their heads, and cried out, weeping and mourning,
"Woe, woe to the great city
where all who had their ships
at sea became rich from her wealth.
For in a single hour she has been laid waste."
20 "Rejoice over her, heaven,
you holy people and apostles and prophets,
for God has brought your judgment on her!"
21 A mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone and threw it into the sea, saying,
"In this way, Babylon, the great city,
will be thrown down with violence
and will not be seen anymore.
22 The sound made by harpists, musicians,
flute players, and trumpeters
will not be heard anymore in you.
No craftsman of any kind
will be found in you.
No sound of a mill
will be heard anymore in you.
23 The light of a lamp
will not shine in you anymore.
The voices of the bridegroom and the bride
will not be heard in you anymore,
for your merchants were the princes of the earth,
and the nations were deceived by your sorcery.
24 In her the blood of prophets and of God's holy people was found,
and the blood of all who have been killed on the earth."
Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in verses 2-8, 10, 16-17, and 19-24.
The angel prophesies about Babylon falling, which here means being destroyed. It is spoken of as having already happened. This is common in prophecy. It emphasizes that the coming judgment will certainly happen. The angel also prophesies that the people will lament over Babylon falling.
Prophecy frequently uses metaphors. This chapter has an apocalyptic style that is slightly different from that of the rest of the Book of Revelation.
Another angel comes down from heaven and speaks. This is not the angel mentioned in the previous chapter who spoke about the prostitute and the beast.
The angel speaks of Babylon having been destroyed as if it had fallen. See how you translated this in [Revelation 14:8]
The pronoun "she" refers to the city of Babylon, which is spoken of as if it were a prostitute.
The word "prison" here is a metaphor for a secure place. This was probably a secure place where the unclean spirits feel safe, such as a refuge or hideout. Alternate translation: "a hideout"
The nations is a metonym for the people of those nations. Alternate translation: "the people of all the nations"
This is a symbol for participating in her sexually immoral passion. Alternate translation: "have become sexually immoral like her" or "have become drunk like her in sexual sin"
Babylon is spoken of as if it were a prostitute who has caused other people to sin along with her. This may well have a double meaning: literal sexual immorality and also the worship of false gods.
A merchant is a person who sells things.
"because she spent so much money on sexual immorality"
The pronouns "she" and "her" refer to the city of Babylon, which is spoken of as if it were a prostitute.
Another voice from heaven begins to speak.
The word "voice" refers to the speaker, which is probably either Jesus or the Father. Alternate translation: "someone else"
The pronoun "her" refers to the city of Babylon, which is spoken of as if it were a prostitute.
The voice speaks of Babylon's sins as if they were objects that could form a pile. Alternate translation: "Her sins are so many they are like a pile that reaches heaven"
"has thought of" or "has started to pay attention to." This does not mean that God remembered something he had forgotten. See how you translated "called to mind" in Revelation 16:19.
The voice speaks of punishment as if it were payment. Alternate translation: "Punish her as she has punished others"
The pronouns "her" and "she" refer to the city of Babylon, which is spoken of as if it were a prostitute.
The voice speaks of punishment as if it were payment. Alternate translation: "punish her twice as much"
The voice speaks of causing others to suffer as preparing strong wine for them to drink. Alternate translation: "prepare for her the wine of suffering that is twice as strong as what she made for others" or "make her suffer twice as much as she made others suffer"
Possible meanings are 1) "prepare twice the amount" or 2) "make it twice as strong"
The same voice from heaven continues speaking about Babylon as if it were a woman.
"the people of Babylon glorified themselves"
Here "heart" is a metonym for a person's mind or thoughts. Alternate translation: "For she says to herself"
She claims to be a ruler, having her own authority.
She implies that she will not be dependent on other people.
Experiencing mourning is spoken of as seeing mourning. Alternate translation: "I will never mourn"
Existing in the future is spoken of a coming.
Being burned up by fires is spoken of as being eaten up by fire. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Fire will completely burn her up"
In these verses the word "her" refers to the city of Babylon.
"sinned sexually and did whatever they wanted just as the people of Babylon did"
John tells what people say about Babylon.
The abstract noun "torment" can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: "afraid that they will be tormented as Babylon is" or "afraid that God will torment them as he torments Babylon"
This is repeated for emphasis.
Existing in the present is spoken of as having come.
"mourn for the people of Babylon"
"many kinds of expensive stones." See how you translated these in Revelation 17:4.
expensive cloth made from flax. See how you translated "linen" in Revelation 15:6.
Purple is a very dark red cloth that is very expensive. Silk is a soft, strong cloth made from the fine string that silkworms make when they make their cocoons. Scarlet is an expensive red cloth.
"all kinds of containers made of ivory"
a beautiful hard, white material that people get from the tusks or teeth of very large animals such as elephants or walruses. Alternate translation: "tusks" or "valuable animal teeth"
a precious stone used for building
a spice that smells nice and comes from the bark of a certain kind of tree
a substance used to add flavor to food or a good smell to oil
Possible meanings are 1) the parts of people are used figuratively to refer to people who are sold as slaves. Alternate translation: "slaves" or 2) the word "bodies" refers to slaves, and the phrase "souls of people" expresses the truth that slaves are real people. Alternate translation: "slaves, that is human souls"
"Fruit" here is a metaphor for "result" or "outcome." Alternate translation: "The result"
"wanted very much"
Not to be found stands for not existing. This figure of speech can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "vanished; you will never have them again"
In these verses, the word "her" refers to the city of Babylon.
This can be restated to remove the abstract nouns "fear" and "torment." Alternate translation: "because they will be afraid of God tormenting them they way he torments her" or "because they will be afraid of suffering the way she is suffering"
This is what the merchants will be doing. Alternate translation: "and they will weep and mourn loudly"
Throughout this chapter, Babylon is spoken of as if it were a woman. The merchants speak of Babylon as being dressed in fine linen because its people were dressed in fine linen. Alternate translation: "the great city, which was like a woman dressed in fine linen" or "the great city, whose women were dressed in fine linen"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "that wore fine linen"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "adorned herself with gold" or "adorned themselves with gold" or "wore gold"
"valuable gems" or "treasured gems"
beautiful and valuable white beads. They are formed inside the shell of a certain kind of small animal that lives in the ocean. See how you translated this in [Revelation 17:4]
The phrase "from the sea" refers to what they do on the sea. Alternate translation: "who travel on the sea to make their living" or "who sail on the sea to different places in order to trade things"
In these verses the word "they" refers to the sailors and seafarers, and the word "her" refers to the city of Babylon.
This question shows that the merchants thought the city of Babylon was very important. Alternate translation: "No other city is like the great city, Babylon!"
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The noun "judgment" can be expressed with the verb "judge." Alternate translation: "God has judged her for you" or "God has judged her because of the bad things she did to you"
Another angel begins to speak about Babylon. This angel is not one of those who has spoken previously.
a large round stone used to crush grain
God will completely destroy the city. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will violently throw down Babylon, the great city, and it will no longer exist"
"no one will see it anymore." Not being seen here means that it will not exist. Alternate translation: "it will not exist anymore"
Not being heard here means that they will not be there. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Harpists, musicians, flute players, and trumpeters will no longer make a sound in your city"
The angel speaks as if he were talking to Babylon. Alternate translation: "in Babylon"
Not being found there means that they will not be there. Alternate translation: "No craftsman ... will be in your city"
The sound of something not being heard means that no one will make that sound. Alternate translation: "No one will use a mill in your city anymore"
The words "you" and "your" refer to Babylon.
The angel who threw the millstone finishes talking.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "No one will ever again hear in Babylon the happy voices of a bridegroom and a bride"
Not being heard here means that they will not be there. Alternate translation: "will not be in your city anymore"
The angel speaks of important and powerful people as if they were princes. Alternate translation: "your merchants were like princes of the earth" or "your merchants were the most important men in the world"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "you deceived the people of the nations with your magic spells"
The word "her" refers to Babylon.
Blood being found there means that the people there were guilty of killing people. Alternate translation: "Babylon is guilty of killing the prophets and believers and all the other people in the world who were killed"
1 After these things I heard what sounded like a loud voice of a large number of people in heaven calling out,
"Hallelujah!
Salvation, glory, and power belong to our God.
2 His judgments are true and just,
for he has judged the great prostitute
who corrupted the earth with her sexual immorality.
He has avenged the blood of his servants
from her hand."
3 They spoke a second time:
"Hallelujah!
The smoke rises from her forever and ever."
4 The twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God, who was seated on the throne. They were saying,
"Amen. Hallelujah!"
5 Then a voice came out from the throne, saying,
"Praise our God,
all you his servants,
you who fear him,
both the unimportant and the powerful."
6 Then I heard what sounded like the voice of a great number of people, like the roar of many waters, and like mighty crashes of thunder, saying,
"Hallelujah!
For the Lord reigns, our God, the Almighty.
7 Let us rejoice and be glad
and give him the glory!
For the wedding celebration of the Lamb has come,
and his bride has made herself ready.
8 She was permitted to be dressed
in bright and clean fine linen"
fine linen is the righteous acts of God's holy people).
9 The angel said to me, "Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding feast of the Lamb." He also said to me, "These are true words of God." 10 I fell down at his feet to worship him, but he said to me, "Do not do this! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers who hold the testimony about Jesus. Worship God, for the testimony about Jesus is the spirit of prophecy."
11 Then I saw heaven open, and I looked and there was a white horse. The one riding it is called faithful and true. It is with justice that he judges and wages war. 12 His eyes are like a fiery flame, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but himself. 13 He is clothed with a robe that was dipped in blood, and his name is called the Word of God. 14 The armies of heaven were following him on white horses, dressed in fine linen, white and clean. 15 Out of his mouth goes a sharp sword with which he strikes down the nations, and he will rule them with an iron rod. He tramples in the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. 16 He has a name written on his robe and on his thigh: "King of kings and Lord of lords."
17 I saw an angel standing in the sun. He called out in a loud voice to all the birds flying overhead, "Come, gather together for the great feast of God. 18 Come eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of commanders, the flesh of mighty men, the flesh of horses and their riders, and the flesh of all men, both free and slave, the unimportant and the powerful."
19 I saw the beast and the kings of the earth with their armies. They were assembling in order to wage war with the one who rode the horse and with his army. 20 The beast was captured and with him the false prophet who performed the signs in his presence. With these signs he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and who worshiped his image. The two of them were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur. 21 The rest of them were killed by the sword that came out of the mouth of the one who rode on the horse. All the birds ate their dead flesh.
The beginning of chapter 19 concludes the topic of Babylon falling.
Some translations set poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to show that it is poetry. The ULB does this with the poetry in verses 1-8.
The Book of Revelation often describes heaven as a place where people sing. They worship God with songs. This illustrates that heaven is a place where God is always worshiped. (See: heaven)
The wedding celebration or feast is an important image in Scripture. Jewish culture often pictured paradise, or life with God after death, as a feast. Here, the wedding feast is for the Lamb, who is Jesus, and his bride, who is all his people.
This is the next part of John's vision. Here he describes the rejoicing in heaven over the fall of the great prostitute, who is the city of Babylon.
Here "I" refers to John.
This word means "Praise Yahweh." Some modern versions translate it as "Praise the Lord."
Here John refers to the city of Babylon whose wicked people rule over all the people of the earth and lead them to worship false gods. He speaks of the wicked people of Babylon as if they were a great prostitute. Alternate translation: "that wicked city that was like a prostitute
Here "the earth" is a metonym for its inhabitants. Alternate translation: "who corrupted the people of the earth"
Here "the blood ... from her hand" is a metonym for her murdering people. The word "her" refers to the "prostitute," the city of Babylon. Alternate translation: "He has punished her for murdering his servants"
Here "They" refers to the crowd of people in heaven.
This word means "Praise Yahweh." Some modern versions translate it as "Praise the Lord." See how you translated this in Revelation 19:1.
The word "her" refers to the city of Babylon, which is spoken of as if it were a prostitute. The smoke is from the fire that destroys the city. Alternate translation: "smoke rises from that city"
"24 elders." See how you translated this in [Revelation 4:4]
"the four living beings" or "the four living things." See how you translated this in Revelation 4:6
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "who sat on the throne"
This word means "Praise Yahweh." Some modern versions translate it as "Praise the Lord." See how you translated this in Revelation 19:1.
Here John speaks of the "voice" as if it were a person. Alternate translation: "someone spoke from the throne"
Here "our" refers to the speaker and all God's servants.
Here "fear" does not mean to be afraid of God, but to honor him. Alternate translation: "all you who honor him"
The speaker uses these words together to mean all of God's people.
John speaks of what he is hearing as if it were like the sound made by a very large crowd of people, a large body of rushing water, and very loud thunder.
This word means "Praise Yahweh." Some modern versions translate it as "Praise the Lord." See how you translated this in Revelation 19:1.
"Because the Lord"
The voice of the crowd from the previous verse continues speaking.
Here "us" refers to all of God's servants.
"give God the glory" or "honor God"
Here John speaks of the joining of Jesus and his people together forever as if it were a wedding celebration.
This is a young sheep. Here is it used symbolically to refer to Christ. See how you translated this in [Revelation 5:6]
Existing in the present is spoken of as having come.
John speaks of God's people as if they were a bride who has gotten ready for her wedding.
Here "she" refers to the people of God. John speaks of the righteous acts of God's people as if they were a bright and clean dress that a bride wears on her wedding day. You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: "God allowed her to wear a dress of bright and clean fine linen"
An angel begins to speak to John. This is likely the same angel who began to speak to John in Revelation 17:1.
You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: "the people whom God invites"
Here the angel speaks of the joining of Jesus and his people forever as if it were a wedding feast.
This means that John purposely lay on the ground and stretched himself out in reverence or submission. This action was an important part of worship, to show respect and willingness to serve. See how you translated "fell down" in Revelation 5:8.
The word "brothers" here refers to all believers, male and female.
Here holding stands for believing in or announcing. Alternate translation: "who speak the truth about Jesus"
Here "spirit of prophecy" refers to God's Holy Spirit. Alternate translation: "for it is the Spirit of God who gives people the power to speak the truth about Jesus"
This is the beginning of a new vision. John begins to describe a rider on a white horse.
This imagery is used to signify the beginning of a new vision. See how you translated this idea in Revelation 4:1 and Revelation 11:19 and Revelation 15:5.
The rider is Jesus.
Here "justice" refers to what is right. Alternate translation: "He judges all people and wages war according to what is right"
John speaks of the rider's eyes as if they shone like a flame of fire.
You can state this in active form. Alternate translation: "Someone has written a name on him"
"on him, and only he knows the meaning of that name"
You can state this in an active form. Alternate translation: "He wears a robe that has blood on it"
You can state this in active form. "Word of God" here is a metonym for Jesus Christ. Alternate translation: "his name is called the Message of God" or "his name is also the Word of God"
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The sword blade was sticking out of his mouth. The sword itself was not in motion. See how you translated a similar phrase in Revelation 1:16.
"destroys the nations" or "brings the nations under his control"
John speaks of the rider's power as if he were ruling with an iron rod. See how you translated this in [Revelation 2:27]
John speaks of the rider's destroying his enemies as if they were grapes that a person tramples in a winepress. Here "wrath" refers to God's punishment of evil persons. Alternate translation: "He crushes his enemies according to the judgment of God Almighty, just as a person crushes grapes in a winepress"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Someone has written a name on his robe and thigh:"
Here "the sun" is a metonym for the light of the sun. Alternate translation: "Then I saw an angel standing in the light of the sun"
The angel uses these two sets of opposite-meaning words together to mean all people.
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This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The rider on the white horse captured the beast and the false prophet"
This was an identifying mark that indicated that the person who received it worshiped the beast. See how you translated this in Revelation 13:17.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God threw the beast and the false prophet alive"
"the lake of fire that burns with sulfur" or "place full of fire that burns with sulfur"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The rider of the horse killed the remainder of the beast's armies with the sword that extended from his mouth"
The sword blade was sticking out of his mouth. The sword itself was not in motion. See how you translated a similar phrase in Revelation 1:16.
1 Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven. He had the key to the bottomless pit, and he had a great chain in his hand. 2 He took hold of the dragon, the old serpent, which is the devil, or Satan, and bound him for a thousand years. 3 He threw him into the bottomless pit. He shut it and sealed it over him. This was so that he would not deceive the nations anymore until the thousand years were over. After that, he must be set free for a short amount of time.
4 Then I saw thrones. Seated on them were those who had been given authority to judge. I also saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony about Jesus and for the word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or his image, and they had refused to receive the mark on their forehead or hand. They came to life, and they reigned with Christ for a thousand years. 5 The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended. This is the first resurrection. 6 Blessed and holy is anyone who takes part in the first resurrection! Over these the second death has no power. They will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years.
7 When the thousand years come to an end, Satan will be released from his prison. 8 He will go out to deceive the nations at the four corners of the earth—Gog and Magog—to bring them together for the battle. They will be as many as the sand of the sea. 9 They went up over the broad plain of the earth and surrounded the camp of God's holy people—the beloved city. But fire came down from heaven and devoured them. 10 The devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night forever and ever.
11 Then I saw a great white throne and the one who is seated on it. The earth and the heavens fled away from his presence, but there was no place for them to go. 12 I saw the dead—the mighty and the unimportant—standing before the throne, and the books were opened. Then another book was opened—the Book of Life. The dead were judged by what was recorded in the books, according to their deeds. 13 The sea gave up the dead who were in it. Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and the dead were judged according to their deeds. 14 Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death—the lake of fire. 15 If anyone's name was not found written in the Book of Life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.
In this chapter, Jesus is said to reign for a thousand years, at the same time that Satan is bound. Scholars are divided over whether this refers to a future period of time or to Jesus reigning now from heaven. It is not necessary to understand this passage in order to translate it accurately. (See: prophet)
This chapter also describes what happens after the thousand years are ended. During this time, Satan and many people will attempt to rebel against Jesus. This will result in God's ultimate and final victory over sin and evil. (See: sin and evil and eternity)
This chapter ends with God judging all people who ever lived. God separates people who believe in Jesus from those who do not believe in him. (See: judge and heaven and faith)
This is a metaphor for eternal life. Those possessing eternal life are said to have their names written in this Book of Life.
These appear to be two distinct places. The translator may wish to do further research to determine how to translate these two places differently. They should not be made the same as each other in translation. (See: hell)
John begins to describe a vision of an angel throwing the devil into the bottomless pit.
Here "I" refers to John.
This is an extremely deep, narrow hole. Possible meanings are 1) the pit has no bottom; it continues to go down further forever or 2) the pit is so deep that it is as if it had no bottom. See how you translated this in Revelation 9:1.
This was a large, fierce reptile, like a lizard. For Jewish people, it was a symbol of evil and chaos.
The angel sealed the pit to keep anyone from opening it. Alternate translation: "sealed it to prevent anyone from opening it"
Here "nations" is a metonym for the people of the earth. Alternate translation: "deceive the people-groups"
"1,000 years"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will command the angel to free him"
This is the next part of John's vision. He describes suddenly seeing thrones and the souls of believers.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "whom God had given authority to judge"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "whose heads others had cut off"
"because they had spoken the truth about Jesus and about the word of God"
These words are a metonym for the message from God. Alternate translation: "for what they taught about the scriptures"
"They came back to life" or "They became alive again"
"All of the other dead people"
"the end of the 1,000 years"
Here John describes "death" as a person with power. Alternate translation: "These people will not experience the second death"
"dying a second time." This is described as eternal punishment in the lake of fire in [Revelation 20:14]
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will release Satan from his prison"
This emphasizes the extremely large number of soldiers in Satan's army.
"Satan's army went"
This refers to Jerusalem.
Here John speaks of fire as if it were alive. Alternate translation: "God sent fire from heaven to burn them up"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God threw the devil, who had deceived them, into" or "God's angel threw the devil, who had deceived them, into"
"the lake of fire that burns with sulfur" or "place full of fire that burns with sulfur." See how you translated this in Revelation 19:20.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "where he had also thrown the beast and the false prophet"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will torment them"
This is the next part of John's vision. He describes suddenly seeing a great white throne and the dead being judged.
John describes heaven and earth as if they were people who were trying to escape God's judgment. This means that God completely destroyed the old heaven and earth.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "someone opened the books"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God judged the people who had died and now lived again"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "by what he had recorded"
Here John speaks of the sea, death, and Hades as if they were living persons.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God judged the dead people"
Here "Hades" is a metonym that represents the place where unbelievers go when they die, to wait for God's judgment.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God threw Death and Hades" or "God's angel threw Death and Hades"
"dying a second time." This is described as eternal punishment in the lake of fire in [Revelation 20:14]
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "If God's angel did not find a person's name"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the angel threw him into the lake of fire" or "the angel threw him into the place where fire burns forever"
1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 2 I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, that came down out of heaven from God, prepared like a bride adorned for her husband. 3 I heard a great voice from the throne saying, "Look! The dwelling place of God is with human beings, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and he will be their God. 4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death, or grieving, or crying, or pain. The former things have passed away. 5 The one who was seated on the throne said, "Look! I make all things new." He said, "Write this down because these words are trustworthy and true." 6 He said to me, "These things are done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the one who thirsts I will give drink without cost from the spring of the water of life. 7 The one who conquers will inherit these things, and I will be his God, and he will be my son. 8 But as for the cowards, the faithless, the detestable, the murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. That is the second death."
9 One of the seven angels came to me, the one who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues, and he said, "Come here. I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb." 10 Then he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God. 11 Jerusalem had the glory of God, and its brightness was like a very precious jewel, like a stone of crystal-clear jasper. 12 It had a great, high wall with twelve gates, with twelve angels at the gates. On the gates were written the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel. 13 On the east were three gates, on the north three gates, on the south three gates, and on the west three gates. 14 The wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. 15 The one who spoke with me had a measuring rod made of gold to measure the city, its gates, and its wall. 16 The city was laid out in a square; its length was the same as its width. He measured the city with the measuring rod, twelve thousand stadia in length (its length, width, and height were the same). 17 He also measured its wall, 144 cubits thick by human measurement (which is also the angel's measure). 18 The wall was built of jasper and the city of pure gold, like clear glass. 19 The foundations of the wall were adorned with every kind of precious stone. The first was jasper, the second was sapphire, the third was agate, the fourth was emerald, 20 the fifth was onyx, the sixth was carnelian, the seventh was chrysolite, the eighth was beryl, the ninth was topaz, the tenth was chrysoprase, the eleventh was jacinth, and the twelfth was amethyst. 21 The twelve gates were twelve pearls; each of the gates was made from a single pearl. The streets of the city were pure gold, like transparent glass. 22 I saw no temple in the city, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. 23 The city had no need of the sun or the moon in order to shine on it because the glory of God shone on it, and its lamp is the Lamb. 24 The nations will walk by the light of that city. The kings of the earth will bring their glory into it. 25 Its gates will not be shut during the day, and there will be no night there. 26 They will bring the glory and the honor of the nations into it, 27 but nothing unclean will ever enter into it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life.
This chapter gives a detailed picture of the new Jerusalem.
Death is a type of separation. The first death is physically dying, when the soul is separated from the body. The second death is being eternally separated from God. (See: death and soul and eternity)
This is a metaphor for eternal life. Those possessing eternal life are said to have their names written in this Book of Life.
It is unclear whether this is an entirely new heaven and earth or if it is remade out of the present heaven and earth. The same is also true of the new Jerusalem. It is possible this will affect translation in some languages. The word "new" in the original language means different and better than the old. It does not mean new in time.
John begins to describe his vision of the new Jerusalem.
Here "I" refers to John.
This compares the new Jerusalem to a bride who has made herself beautiful for her bridegroom.
The word "voice" refers to the one who speaks. Alternate translation: "someone speak loudly from the throne saying"
The word "Look" here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.
These two phrases mean the same thing and emphasize that God will, indeed, live among men.
Tears here represent sadness. See how you translated this in [Revelation 7:17]
Here "words" refers to the message that they formed. Alternate translation: "this message is trustworthy and true"
These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize God's eternal nature.
These are first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. Possible meanings are 1) "the one who began all things and who ends all things" or 2) "the one who has always lived and who always will live." If the meanings are unclear to readers, you may consider using the first and last letters of your alphabet. See how you translated this in [Revelation 1:8]
Possible meanings are 1) "the one who began all things and the one who will cause all things to end" or 2) "the one who existed before all things and who will exist after all things."
God speaks of a person's desire for eternal life as if it were thirst and of that person receiving eternal life as if he were drinking life-giving water.
The one seated on the throne continues to speak to John.
"those who are too afraid to do what is right"
"those who do terrible things"
"the lake of fire that burns with sulfur" or "place full of fire that burns with sulfur." See how you translated this in Revelation 19:20.
"dying a second time." This is described as eternal punishment in the lake of fire in [Revelation 20:14]
The angel speaks of Jerusalem as if it were a woman who is about to marry her groom, the Lamb. Jerusalem is metonymy for those who believers who will inhabit it.
This is a young sheep. Here is it used symbolically to refer to Christ. See how you translated this in [Revelation 5:6]
The setting changes as John is taken to a high mountain where he can see the city of Jerusalem. See how you translated this phrase in [Revelation 17:3]
This refers to the "Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven" that he described in the previous verse and not to the physical Jerusalem.
These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the brilliance of Jerusalem by naming a specific jewel.
"extremely clear"
This is a valuable stone. Jasper may have been clear like glass or crystal. See how you translated this in [Revelation 4:3]
"12 gates"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "someone had written"
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This refers to Jesus. See how you translated this in Revelation 5:6.
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"12,000 stadia." You may convert this to modern measures. Alternate translation: "2,200 kilometers"
"one hundred forty-four cubits." You may convert this to modern measures. Alternate translation: "66 meters"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Someone had built the wall with jasper and the city with pure gold"
The gold was so clear that it is spoken of as if it were glass.
This is a valuable stone. Jasper may have been clear like glass or crystal. See how you translated this in [Revelation 4:3]
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Someone adorned the foundations of the wall"
These are valuable stones. Jasper may have been clear like glass or crystal. See how you translated it in [Revelation 4:3]
These are all valuable gems.
beautiful and valuable white beads. They are formed inside the shell of a certain kind of small animal that lives in the ocean. See how you translated this in [Revelation 17:4]
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "someone had made each of the gates from a single pearl"
The gold was so clear that it is spoken of as if it were glass. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Revelation 21:18]
The temple represented God's presence. This means the new Jerusalem does not need a temple because God and the Lamb will live there.
Here the glory of Jesus, the Lamb, is spoken of as if it were a lamp that gives light to the city.
The words "the nations" are a metonym for the people who live in the nations. "Walk" here is a metaphor for "live." Alternate translation: "The people from all the different nations will live"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "No one will shut the gates"
"The kings of the earth will bring"
This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: "only what is clean will ever enter, and never anyone"
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "but only those whose names the Lamb wrote in his Book of Life"
This is a young sheep. Here is it used symbolically to refer to Christ. See how you translated this in [Revelation 5:6]
1 Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, clear as crystal. It was flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2 through the middle of the city's street. On each side of the river was the tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruits, and it bears its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. 3 There will no longer be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. 4 They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. 5 There will be no more night; they will have no need for the light of a lamp or sunlight because the Lord God will shine on them. They will reign forever and ever.
6 The angel said to me, "These words are trustworthy and true. The Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, sent his angel to show his servants what must happen soon." 7 "Look! I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who obeys the words of the prophecy of this book."
8 I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. When I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who had been showing me these things. 9 He said to me, "Do not do that! I am a fellow servant with you, with your brothers the prophets, and with those who obey the words of this book. Worship God!"
10 Then he said to me, "Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near. 11 The one who is unrighteous, let him continue to do unrighteousness. The one who is morally filthy, let him continue to be morally filthy. The one who is righteous, let him continue to do what is righteous. The one who is holy, let him continue to be holy."
12 "Look! I am coming soon. My reward is with me, to pay back each one according to his deeds. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end. 14 Blessed are those who wash their robes so that they will have the right to eat from the tree of life and to enter the city through the gates. [1]15 Outside are the dogs, the sorcerers, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.
16 I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star."
17 The Spirit and the Bride say, "Come!" Let the one who hears say, "Come!" Whoever is thirsty, let him come, and whoever desires it, let him freely have the water of life.
18 I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues that are written about in this book. 19 If anyone takes away from the words of this book of prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city that are written about in this book. [2]
20 The one who testifies to these things says, "Yes! I am coming soon." Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!
21 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen. [3]
This chapter emphasizes that Jesus is coming soon.
There is probably an intended connection between the tree of life in the Garden of Eden and the tree of life mentioned in this chapter. The curse that began in Eden will end at this time.
These are the names of the first and last letters in the Greek alphabet. The ULB spells out their names in English. This strategy can serve as a model for translators. Some translators, however, may decide to use the first and last letters in their own alphabet. This would be "A and Z" in English.
John continues to describe the new Jerusalem as the angel shows it to him.
Here "me" refers to John.
"the river flowing with life-giving water"
Eternal life is spoken of as if it were provided by life-giving water. See how you translated this in [Revelation 21:6]
This is a young sheep. Here is it used symbolically to refer to Christ. See how you translated this in [Revelation 5:6]
Here "nations" refers to the people who live in every nation. Alternate translation: "the people of all nations"
Possible meanings are 1) "There will never be anyone there that God will curse" or 2) "There will not be anyone there who is under God's curse"
Possible meanings of "his" and "him" are 1) both words refer to God the Father, or 2) both words refer to both God and the Lamb, who rule together as one.
This is an idiom, meaning to be in God's presence. Alternate translation: "They will be in God's presence"
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This is the beginning of the end of John's vision. In this versethe angel is speaking to John. This can be shown clearly as it is in the UDB.
Here "words" refers to a message. See how you translated this in [Revelation 21:5]
Possible meanings are 1) the word "spirits" refers to the inward disposition of the prophets and indicates that God inspires them. Alternate translation: "God who inspires the prophets" or 2) the word "spirits" refers to the Holy Spirit who inspires the prophets. Alternate translation: "God who gives his Spirit to the prophets"
This is the beginning of the end of John's vision. Jesus is speaking. This can be shown clearly as it is in the UDB.
Here Jesus begins to speak. The word "Look" adds emphasis to what follows.
It is understood that he is coming in order to judge. See how you translated this in Revelation 3:11. Alternate translation: "I am coming to judge soon!"
Here "words" refers to a message. Alternate translation: "the prophetic message of this book"
John tells his readers about how he responded to the angel.
This means that John purposely lay on the ground and stretched himself out in reverence or submission. This action was an important part of worship, to show respect and willingness to serve. See how you translated similar words in Revelation 19:10.
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The angel finishes speaking to John.
To seal a book was to keep it closed with something that makes it impossible for anyone to read what was inside without breaking the seal. The angel is telling John not to keep the message a secret. Alternate translation: "Do not keep secret ... this book"
Here "words" refers to a message. See how you translated this in [Revelation 22:7]
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As the book of Revelation is ending, Jesus gives a closing greeting.
These three phrases share similar meanings and emphasize that Jesus has existed and will exist for all time.
These are first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. Possible meanings are 1) "the one who began all things and who ends all things" or 2) "the one who has always lived and who always will live." If these meanings are unclear to readers, you may consider using the first and last letters of your alphabet. See how you translated this in [Revelation 1:8]
This refers to the eternal nature of Jesus. See how you translated this in [Revelation 1:17]
Possible meanings are 1) "the one who began all things and the one who will cause all things to end" or 2) "the one who existed before all things and who will exist after all things." See how you translated this in Revelation 21:6.
Jesus continues giving his closing greeting.
Becoming righteous is spoken of as if it were washing one's clothing. See how you translated as similar phrase in [Revelation 7:14]
This means they are outside the city and not allowed to enter.
In that culture the dog was an unclean, despised animal. Here the word "dogs" is derogatory and refers to people who are wicked.
Here the word "you" is plural.
The words "root" and "descendant" mean basically the same thing. Jesus speaks of being a "descendant" as if he were a "root" that grew out of David. Together the words emphasize that Jesus belongs to the family of David.
Jesus speaks of himself as if he were the bright star that sometimes appears early in the morning and indicates that a new day is about to begin. See how you translated "morning star" in [Revelation 2:28]
This verse is a response to what Jesus said.
Believers are spoken of as if they were a bride about to be married to her groom, Jesus.
Possible meanings are 1) that this is an invitation for people to come and drink the water of life. Alternate translation: "Come and drink!" or 2) that this is a polite request for Jesus to return. Alternate translation: "Please come!"
A person's desire for eternal life is spoken of as if it were thirst and of that person receiving eternal life as if he were drinking life-giving water.
Eternal life is spoken of as if it were provided by life-giving water. See how you translated this in Revelation 21:6.
John gives his final remarks.
Here "I" refers to John.
Here "words" refers to a message. See how you translated this in [Revelation 22:7]
This is a strong warning to not change anything about this prophecy.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "which I have written about in this book"
This is a strong warning to not change anything about this prophecy.
In these verses John gives his and Jesus's closing greetings.
"Jesus, who testifies to these things, says"
"with every one of you"